THE first 50 tenants have moved into the new River Clyde Homes flats at Greenock's James Watt Dock.

Over the last few weeks customers have been settling in to their new properties, constructed by Cruden Building.

The development has taken two years to complete, including the period when works were halted because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

When the development is fully finished, 137 homes over five blocks will offer spectacular views over the historic dock and the River Clyde.

They are the association’s first properties on the town's historic waterfront that once defined the area.

Couple John and Elizabeth Bryan, who married 57 years ago, say they are thrilled with their new home.

They've lived in Inverclyde all their lives and had been staying in one of the flats behind the recently closed Sir Gabriel Wood's Mariners’ Home in the west end of Greenock for 11 years.

They say their move went without a hitch.

Elizabeth said: “We were settled within a week.

"We like the location and it is handy for public transport.

"The views are great and I have been keeping an eye on a family of swans I see passing each day."

John, who comes from the Port, worked in the Merchant Navy and then at the Scotts yard in Greenock as a rigger.

He said: “I worked at the Great Harbour for a while too and it’s been really nice to look out over the much changed and quieter landscape.

“This is the kind of home we know we’ll be happy in and as our daughters live in the area, it’s perfect for us.

"The staff at River Clyde Homes were terrific and helped us along every step of the way.”

It’s a far cry from their first family home in Greenock town centre, which was a room and kitchen with an outside toilet.

Elizabeth said: “I couldn’t be going back to that.

"Thank goodness for progress!”

The development is scheduled to be completed in August and is a key part of River Clyde Homes' ambitious programme to build over 450 new properties across the district, with work well under way on two more sites in Port Glasgow.

Carine Strain, senior asset and development manager at RCH, said: “It’s always a pleasure to hand over new homes to customers, but particularly at this time, when everyone is facing so many challenges in their lives.

"My thanks go to all those involved in getting this magnificent development to completion, from the design team to the planners and our own staff who have managed the project and helped customers settle in.

"Particular thanks must go to Cruden Building who worked tirelessly to ensure the homes could be delivered as soon as possible despite a period of government restrictions.”

Christopher Dunn, operations manager at Cruden, said: “It’s great to see how happy Mr & Mrs Bryan are in their new home and the progress that we are making in delivering this landmark new waterfront development which provides quality, energy efficient homes with stunning River Clyde views.

"Throughout this development, Cruden has supported the local area by providing 13 full-time jobs, three apprenticeships, four work placements and providing donations and support to local schools and nurseries.”

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DOCK DELIGHT: Cruden's Christopher Dunn, Mr & Mrs Bryan and Carine Strain of RCH.