WORK on the first phase of a self-build housing project in the west of Glasgow is set to take place this year.

The six plots of the Maryhill Self Build Project were assigned last year on the site just off Bantaskin Street.

Now a public meeting has been organised as the projects’ second phase aims to see a further 17 self-build homes developed.

Angela Doran, the self-build co-ordinator at Glasgow City Council said: “The pilot phase which saw six plots made available for self-build homes has been very successful so far.

“The site is to be scraped in March and building is scheduled to begin in April.

“There have been no issues with the first phase so far and now 17 more plots have been allocated in the same area.

“There was always going to be two phases of this project but given the scheme’s popularity there is real potential there will be a lot more.”

The public meeting which will be held at the Maryhill Burgh Halls tomorrow is a chance for people to look at the benefits of building a house yourself.

Building experts will be on hand and information on how the construction can be financed will also be available.

Angela added that it is an opportunity for people to sign up to the growing list of those looking to build and own a home through this scheme.

The list of interested parties within Glasgow has already reached 140.

She added: “The list is growing and this meeting has been organised to show people how this scheme can work for them.

“This method of becoming a home-owner is very new in Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK, but I am very confident it will grow in popularity.

“This approach to owning a house is more of a bottom -up approach to buying and owning a house rather than the traditional method of either being provided with a home that is doesn’t completely suit the occupiers needs.

“A lot of work still needs to be done to allow and increase a high level of this type of housing but we are definitely goinf in the right direction.

Councillor George Redmond, the executive member for jobs, business and investment for the council, said: “Glasgow City Council are keen to promote alternative, affordable models of housing.

“Glasgow’s population is growing and we want to retain people within the city by providing for growing households.

“Self-build provides the opportunity for people to work together – sharing costs and building relationships as they build their houses.

“Self-builders invest emotionally in their homes and are more likely to stay in the community for the long term.”