New housing development transforms vacant site in Glasgow

The first phase of the Calton Village project is now complete, with 90 homes already handed over to tenants.

The ambitious development is a joint venture between Wheatley Group and McTaggart Construction.

The project aims to deliver 264 high-quality affordable homes in the Gallowgate area.

(Image: Supplied)

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The development has been supported by Glasgow City Council through the Affordable Housing Supply and includes a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom flats and houses, available for social rent and mid-market rent.

This is part of an effort to meet the city's growing demand for quality, affordable homes.

Lindsay Lauder, Wheatley Group's director of development and regeneration, said: "It’s fantastic to see tenants settling into their new homes at Calton Village.

"Bringing this site back to life is a major investment in the area, delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a great location close to the city centre.

"These homes will make a huge difference to people’s lives, providing warm, safe, and modern places to live, while also supporting Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions."

Amy is a new resident at Calton Village (Image: Supplied) The development features the largest district heating system in Glasgow, operated from a central hub to deliver energy-efficient heating and hot water.

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All homes have gold-standard insulation and are built to a high specification, contributing to Scotland’s sustainability targets.

Amy O'Neil, who moved into her new two-bedroom rental flat late last year, said: "Moving into my new home has been a dream come true.

"The quality is outstanding, the rooms are spacious and modern, and the energy-efficient heating has made my bills cheaper.

"As a young, working professional, the process has been stress-free, and I couldn’t be happier.

"I’d recommend Lowther homes to anyone looking for quality and comfort."

(Image: Supplied) The £32 million development has also generated local jobs and training opportunities through McTaggart Construction’s Community Benefit initiatives.

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So far, 24 work placements, 12 apprenticeships, and 11 new jobs have been created on the site, as well as 30 mentoring, school, and educational support activities.

Ross Hammell, CSR manager at McTaggart Construction, said: "There are so many fantastic opportunities on offer, from working on-site building homes to being part of our office support, and we’re delighted to be providing guidance, practical training, and support on getting a foothold in the construction industry.

"Our training programmes can help people get a job or an apprenticeship that sets them up for interesting and long-lasting work."

Among the homes at Calton Village, 32 properties originally planned for mid-market rent have been converted to social rent to support homeless individuals and families.

Robert, his wife and two children recently moved into a three-bedroom townhouse at Calton Village, said: "When we were given our eviction notice, we had no choice but to move into my mum’s two-bedroom house.

(Image: Supplied)

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"With five of us under one roof, it was really stressful. When we were offered a home in Calton Village, we couldn’t believe it.

"The house is fantastic, and the support from Wheatley staff has been amazing."

The remaining homes at Calton Village, set to be completed later this year, will be available for mid-market rent, which is intended for households earning less than £46,000 a year who may struggle to afford private rent or have no priority for social housing.