By VIVIENNE NICOLL

A LOCAL housing association is to spend £10.5million building affordable homes in the West End.

Partick Housing Association is to convert the former St Peter's primary school near Partick Cross, which closed in 2013, into 60 new flats.

It is one of the most ambitious schemes undertaken by the housing provider.

Housing association chairman Iain Nicholson said: "There is a real shortage of good quality, affordable housing in Partick.

"Our latest ambitious project at St Peter's will deliver 31 flats for social rent, 21 flats for mid market rent and eight flats for supported accommodation."

The housing association acquired the site from the city council which contributed more than £5m towards the cost of the project which will involve retaining part of the old school building.

The housing provider's chief executive Stewart MacKenzie said: "This hugely significant development will breathe new life into a Partick landmark.

"St Peter's primary school was well known in Partick and served the community for many decades until it merged with Notre Dame Primary.

"We are delighted part of the existing building will be preserved but most important for us is the fact we are bringing new homes to Partick."

Kenny McLean, the city council's convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said the flats would provide accommodation for a wide variety of people.

He added: "The council was thrilled to work with our partners to deliver such homes in an area that is pressurised in terms of housing.

"This landmark building will now serve the local community in an equally valuable new way."