A CEREMONY to mark the beginning of work on new homes and a community centre in Castlemilk has been held.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty visited the development area to celebrate the start of the £5 million investment on Monday.

The money will be put towards constructing 22 properties in the Netherholm area of Castlemilk.

After a tireless campaign by local residents, a community centre will also be built, funded by a £995,000 boost from Big Lottery Scotland’s Growing Community Assets Fund.

The multi-million pound grant is one of the largest cash windfalls the Castlemilk community has ever experienced.

Ms Docherty said: “Everyone has worked extremely hard to bring this investment to Castlemilk.

“New housing and a new community centre will make a huge difference.”

She also paid tribute to the late Yvonne McShea, former Chair of Thenue Housing, who lived in Castlemilk.

Ms McShea led the campaign to bring a community centre to the area.

Charles Turner, Chief Executive of Thenue Housing added: “We are extremely grateful to Glasgow City Council for its significant contribution to the funding of these new homes.

“Without its support we would not have been able to deliver this exciting development.”

Charles praised local residents’ group the Netherholm Area Association which was assisted by Thenue in securing the massive donation from Big Lottery Scotland to build the community centre.

He said: “The Netherholm Area Association has shown that determination, effort and vision bring results.

“We congratulate them on such a tremendous result in delivering a new community centre for local people.”

Following the launch on Monday, the homes are expected to be completed in Spring 2018 and will consist of between one and four bedroom properties for rent.

While the new community centre is hoped to be a social and economic hub for Netherholm.

It will provide many services with the ability to meet the needs and aspirations of children and young people in the area.

Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Buildings and Renewals Limited said: “We’re pleased to be working together with Thenue Housing to build 22 houses and cottage flats and a brand new youth and community centre which will deliver a huge boost to the residents of Netherholm in Castlemilk.

“These high quality, modern, one to four bedroom homes will provide residents with eco-friendly housing that will be warmer and cheaper to run.

With all our projects, Cruden is committed to giving back to the local community and Netherholm is no different. We will provide a number of community based activities including valuable training opportunities throughout this exciting build.”