They were once neighbours in a crumbling old high rise.

And now pals Jacqueline Little and Jane Conway live side by side again – but this time they can catch up over the garden fence

They are some of the first tenants to move into new homes built by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) as part of a £57million project.

A total of 414 homes at nine sites across the city are being built in Phase 2 of GHA’s new-build programme.

Jacqueline and Jane live in Kempsthorn Crescent, Pollok, where there are 16 new homes.

Another 13 houses in Shafton Road, Knightswood are ready for tenants, and a further 26 in Airgold Drive in Drumchapel are almost complete.

Mum-of-six Jacqueline, 39, who moved into her new home earlier this month, said: “It still doesn’t seem real.

“The high rises in Germiston were damp and so cold, but this is like a different world, totally amazing.

“When I first moved in I thought someone was going to wake me up and tell me it was all a dream. I just love the house so much. I can’t stop smiling.”

Mum-of-three Jane, 40, said: “There’s so much more space. It’s fantastic getting up every morning and looking out over a lovely clean environment.

“The kids are really enjoying having their own space too – they just love it. They are so proud of their new home they clean their rooms without me even having to ask.

“My kids and Jacqueline’s kids have been at school together from the start, so it is ideal that we live beside each other now.”

The Phase 2 project is supported with funds from the Scottish Government and construction is being carried out by Scottish housebuilder Cruden.

The homes – which have Secured by Design accreditation, a police initiative which helps cut crime by improving home security – are specifically for tenants whose homes are being demolished as part of the regeneration of Glasgow.

Alex McGuire, GHA’s executive director of development and regeneration, said: “I am delighted tenants have moved in to the first of these stunning homes.

“Our new-build programme is a key part of regenerating communities in Glasgow and it’s great to see it taking shape across the city. I hope families like Jacqueline’s and Jane’s will be proud to live in their homes and in their new neighbourhoods for years to come.”

Tenants serving on the Local Housing Organisation committees – Pollok Tenants’ Choice for Kempsthorn Crescent, and Great Western Tenants’ Partnership for Shafton Road – worked with GHA’s new-build team on the design of the properties.

The homes in Kempsthorn Crescent, a mix of two and four-bedroom homes, are mainly for tenants from Shawbridge and elsewhere across Glasgow where homes are being demolished.

The houses in Shafton Road, Knightswood, are a mix of two and three-bedroom homes, with one two-bedroom home with wheelchair access.

A clause in GHA’s new-build contract means new jobs and apprenticeship places are created for local people.

Cruden Building and Renewals, which built the homes, has taken on 34 new employees as a result of the new-build contract, 17 are trainees or were unemployed before joining the firm.

Cruden has also taken on 11 apprentices, in a range of trades.

Apprentice joiner Jamie Brown, 17, from Dormanside Road, Pollok, said: “The apprenticeships last four years and they are really good.

“I’m learning a lot about myself and my own capabilities, and about the world of work.

“I’m really willing to learn and I’m being shown some good things. In the future, I’d like to be a good tradesman and pass on what I’ve learned to others.”

Other homes are due to be completed next year including 70 in at Brockburn Road, Pollok, due in October, 22 homes in Halley Place, Yoker, due in January and 80 homes at Holmfauldhead Drive, Linthouse, due in July.

As reported in the Evening Times 93 homes at Riverford Road in Pollokshaws will be finished from September next year.