Renfrew first to benefit from £50 million affordable housing boost

Local families have moved into the first homes built in Sanctuary’s planned £50 million investment in new affordable housing stock in Renfrewshire.Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association recently handed over the keys to 29 houses for social rent in Andrew Avenue and Edgar Crescent, Renfrew. The last of 77 homes being built in the £10.6 million first phase are due for completion in October.Sanctuary’s building programme is in partnership with the Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Council. A £6.1 million government grant helped fund the development.Ten apprentices employed by Sanctuary’s site contractor Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd are helping build 59 houses and 18 flats, all for social rent. The project created three local trades jobs, one new apprenticeship and hosted the work placement of seven Glasgow Clyde College students.A further 60 Sanctuary homes for social rent will soon be built on the site neighbouring Edgar Crescent, off Renfrew’s Station Road.Elsewhere, 67 Sanctuary homes in Renfrew’s Western Park are due to be finished next spring. Planning has also been approved for 171 affordable Sanctuary homes in Love Street and Wellmeadow Street, Paisley.Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay spoke with tenants and met Ashleigh’s apprentices during a visit to the site.