NEW housing for Govan is firmly back on track as lockdown eases.

Work has restarted on the £15million construction of 82 new homes near Govan Cross after several months at a standstill.

Elderpark Housing said it was working closely with its developers – construction firm CCG – to ensure work progresses while ensuring site workers remain safe.

The Scottish Government has eased restrictions on construction sites to kick start this vital part of the economy.

Elderpark deputy chief executive Shirley McKnight said the restart of construction work would be welcomed by the community.

Shirley said: “Construction sites across the country like so many other aspects of the economy were halted during lockdown.

“But we are pleased to report that things have got moving again on this vital new housing for our community.

“At all times the safety of construction site workers - which has always been an essential component of the work - remains a top priority.

“Elderpark Housing is working extremely closely with our contractors CCG to ensure this happens.

“The delay in getting these homes built has been an inevitable consequence of these last few months which have been difficult for so many people.

“We know that our tenants are looking forward to this landmark development near Govan Cross being completed as Elderpark delivers on our promise of new housing for our community.”

Glasgow Times:

The development of 70 flats and 12 houses is being built at Nethan Street within sight of Govan subway station.

It will also include the restoration of the 19th century former Hills Trust School which is being brought back to life as new offices for Elderpark Housing - bringing to an end years of dereliction and giving the historic building a new lease of life.

CCG managing director David Wylie said: “As we begin to restart and recover, the health and safety of our staff, clients and the communities in which we operate remains our number one priority.

“We have worked tirelessly throughout the lockdown to develop robust and thorough health and safety protocols to ensure that we can undertake our works safely and with confidence.

“By working with Construction Scotland and following the re-start plan, as adopted by the Scottish Government, we can ensure that the Stay Safe slogan will remain at the forefront of our activities.

“The Hills Trust/ Nethan Street development will be a significant contributor to the local economy of Govan and we look forward to continuing our work with Elderpark Housing as we progress through our programme.”

Elderpark originally expect the homes to be ready by this summer 2020 with the school restoration completed first.

It is hoped the first tenants will move in towards the end of the year.

Local MSP Humza Yousaf said: “It has been a pleasure watching the progress of Elderpark Housing’s development since it broke ground last year.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to social housing, and has been working closely with partners across the housing sector to help housebuilding resume as quickly as it is safe to do so.

“I am glad construction on this site is up and running again, and look forward to seeing tenants moving into their lovely new homes.”