BUILDING work on a multi-million pound project to transform one of Glasgow's problem housing areas starts today.

Hundreds of homes for rent and community facilities will be built in Laurieston following the demolition of multi-storey blocks in the area, just south of the river Clyde.

Infrastructure Minister Alex Neil performed the ground-breaking ceremony today, marking the start of the £90million project.

Laurieston will be rebuilt with 200 homes for rent from New Gorbals Housing Association, with cash coming from Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government

The area is one of eight Transformational Regeneration Areas in Glasgow which have been prioritised for housing development. Laurieston is one of the first three to be started along with Maryhill and Gallowgate.

Plans show the development will include terraced homes and blocks of low-rise flats, four storeys high.

Mr Neil said the investment would be a catalyst for further regeneration in the area. He said: "We are committed to helping local communities flourish, become stronger and safer places to live.

"This is a major milestone today, not just for Laurieston but also for Glasgow, and with almost £14m from the Scottish Government, this £90m investment will kick start the regeneration of the area over the next few years.

"We will work with partners to ensure that this good progress continues to be made, and with the hard work of the community and organisations, real improvements can be made."

A phase two of the project will include more housing and possibly space for shopping and hotel accommodation.

Multi-storey blocks which had become rundown and difficult to let were demolished by Glasgow Housing Association, clearing the ground for the new build project.

Glasgow City Council expects the investment to provide long term benefits for an area that has been identified as being in need of regeneration for decades.

New Gorbals Housing Association, which has built homes in the wider area, first put forward plans in the mid 1990s.

Liz Cameron, executive member for jobs and the economy at Glasgow City Council, said: "We believe the plans for the Laurieston TRA will have a huge, positive impact on the area.

"The project is part of the continued reinvigoration and renaissance of our communities along the River Clyde and offers an exciting opportunity for Glasgow."

stewart.paterson@ heraldandtimes.co.uk