By HOLLY LENNON

RESIDENTS in an area earmarked as a priority for regeneration have welcomed the addition of new homes.

Glasgow Housing Association tenants have moved into 47 new energy-efficient flats in Pollokshaws Road.

Pollokshaws is one of eight areas that have been targeted as past of Transforming Communities: Glasgow, which was established in 2012.

Work will begin on 42 additional new homes in Shawbridge Street before the end of the year while 85 new homes, along with 20 mid-market homes have been completed on the site of the former Govan Tram Dept in Brand Street.

Work is well underway on 152 GHA flats at Hinshelwood Drive in Ibrox and on 130 new GHA homes at Dougrie Drive, Castlemilk.

Councillor Kenny McLean, Glasgow City Council housing convener, joined tenants and staff from GHA and Wheatley Group – GHA’s parent organisation – as well as local elected members and representatives from the Scottish Government, the city council, and the contractor, McTaggarts to mark the completion of the new homes.

Tenant Mpanga Katongo, moved into Pollokshaws Road with his wife and three children earlier this year.

Mpanga, a security officer, said: “We’re very happy here. Our new home is nice and warm. I hardly have to put the heating on and I’m already saving money on my bills.

“It’s very convenient too, very close to my kids’ school, and the neighbours are nice too.

“The whole house is much bigger. We are able to fit a dining table in the kitchen and we eat together.

“It’s brought the whole family closer together.”

The development in Pollokshaws Road is made up of 47 flats, ranging from one to four bedrooms, with five specially adapted for wheelchair users.

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, added: “It is great to see the impact that these new homes in Pollokshaws are making on people’s lives.

“The importance of good housing in the quality of people’s lives cannot be overstated, and we are pleased to work with our partners to deliver such projects all across Glasgow.”

GHA Chair Bernadette Hewitt added: “It’s always great to hear how these really nice GHA homes make a difference to tenants.

“I really like how homes are not just modern and beautiful – but they really do make people’s lives better.”

The £4.6m development in Pollokshaws Road – which included a Scottish Government grant of £2.15m – was built by contractors McTaggarts Construction.

Gary Climson, Managing Director of McTaggart Construction, said: “Our relationship with GHA was a real partnership and we’re delighted that the feedback is so positive.”