A brand new housing development is on the horizon in South West Greenock.
The project will see up to 126 units built in the Larkfield area. Constructed on behalf of River Clyde Homes as part of its ‘new build programme’, the two-storey houses will replace existing properties in the area and will comprise a mixture of terrace and semi-detached houses.
Work began on the £12 million project in September 2011 and funding has been provided by a Scottish Government’s Housing Association Grant and private financing secured by River Clyde Homes. Main contractor for the scheme is Cruden Building and Renewals Limited and FBN Architects is the architect.
The project forms part of the South West Greenock development, which will also include new housing units at Westmorland Road and Stafford Road.
Constructed from timber frame and brick skin cladding, the houses at Cumberland Road will also include decorative render panels. All of the homes are ‘Housing for Varying Needs’ compliant and the units will be constructed to be extremely thermally efficient, which will greatly reduce tenants’ fuel costs.
Cumberland Road will include paved courtyards to provide a safe and open area for residents and additional landscaping will include the planting of trees and shrubs in order to enhance the local biodiversity.
A number of roads will be closed and timed demolitions will take place to remove the existing properties from the site. During the second phase of the project, residents will relocate to newly completed houses.
As Cumberland Road was previously a Brownfield site, radar surveys have been conducted in order to monitor existing services and eliminate any unforeseen problems. A feasibility study for the site was also conducted by FBN Architects prior to any work commencing on the project. Importantly, this study took place in consultation with the local community, which allowed them to have a say in the matter.
James Smith, FBN Architects, said:
“As part of River Clyde Homes’ stock replacement programme, these units will provide a welcome addition to their fully accessible terraced housing provision in the Greenock area.”
The Cumberland Road project is scheduled for completion in 2013.
River Clyde Homes
River Clyde Homes is one of the largest social landlords in Scotland. The company is a not-for-profit organisation that comprises a board of 15 members that is monitored by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
To date, River Clyde Homes has invested £83 million into housing stock and is working towards the provision of hundreds of new homes by 2015. The aim of River Clyde Homes is to manage housing to the best interests of its tenants and as a result, the company conducts an annual business plan that reflects its key commitments.