An extensive demolition and new build programme has seen the phased demolition of 217 former council properties in Greenock.
The Maukinhill Phase 2 project commenced in November 2009 and comprises the construction of 145 properties including a mixture of semi-detached, terraced and split level three-storey townhouses. In addition, there will be two fully adapted homes for wheelchair users.
Main contractor for the £17.8 million project is McTaggart Construction Ltd and the architect is Coltart Earley Architecture. The development has been partly funded by a £10 million grant from the Scottish Government, a £7.7 million private loan from The Nationwide Building Society and a £79,000 contribution from Scottish Water.
As of March 2012, 105 of the properties have been handed back to the residents, many of whom had been decanted to alternative Cloch Housing Association properties during the demolition phase. The remaining 40 homes will be handed over between April and the end of July 2012.
Elaine McShane, Cloch Housing Association, said:
“Several road closures have been enforced in order to allow for service connections and the resurfacing of the roads. A traffic management system has also been necessary for the main Kilmacolm Road, whilst temporary changes have been made to the one-way system to maintain access for residents.
“A further factor that we had to take into account was the topography of the site, which ultimately led to the need for split level housing. However, despite all of the challenges the project has progressed extremely well and is on track to be completed well before the scheduled completion date of December 2012.
“We have also made a significant effort to involve the local community throughout the project. For instance, the Maukinhill Steering Group attended fortnightly meetings during the design process, whilst open days and public committee presentations have also taken place.
“Everyone is very pleased with what we have managed to achieve so far.”
The site enjoys excellent panoramic views to the north and is well served by the Lady Octavia parkland to the east. Along with a post office and a central row of shops, the area also boasts a community resource centre known as Auchmountain Hall. As part of the project, attractive areas of open space will be created and improvements will be made to the play facilities at the resource centre in order to meet planning requirements.
Elaine McShane added:
“I would like to emphasise the excellent performance from McTaggart Construction Ltd and the design team for their invaluable assistance in implementing a rolling programme of demolition and new build to suit the needs of the existing residents.
“In addition, the project has created seven apprenticeships, six jobs for local people and eight jobs for local young people through the Action for Children Youthbuild Initiative – which demonstrates the significant economic benefits that can be achieved by major investment in new build development programmes.”
