GLASGOW Housing Association has started work on its 1000th new home in a £6million project.

It will construct 44 homes on derelict land between Duke Street and High Street in the East End.

It marks a significant milestone for the social housing provider and the city.

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson marked the launch of work at the site close to the council's major regeneration project at Collegelands.

The Duke Street/High Street homes, due to be finished in early 2014, will be a mix of two and three-bedroom flats, built in two blocks. Three of the flats will be built to be able to house wheelchair users.

There will also be space for two commercial units on the block facing High Street.

All the properties will have a high energy-efficiency rating and a range of safety measures, including extra-secure doors and windows.

Some of the GHA tenants whose homes are being demolished as part of the regeneration of north Glasgow will be given the chance to move into the new houses.

Gordon Sloan, chairman of GHA, said: "This is great news for the community. The homes will bring new life to the area and give more GHA tenants the opportunity to move into a lovely new home.

"I'm also delighted that the development marks an important milestone for GHA's new-build programme. It means work has now started on more than 1000 new homes."

The project is being developed by the association in partnership with Glasgow City Council, with grant funding from the Scottish Government.

Mr Matheson said: "It is fantastic to see construction of homes getting under way in Glasgow.

This is great news for jobs and the economy, but it also ensures there is a wider range of housing options for families to choose from.

"The rental market is under huge pressure just now and these 44 homes will take us a small but important step closer to our target of building 3500 more homes in Glasgow.

"These homes will be in a prime spot and I am sure they will be well loved by everyone who lives in them."

The homes are being built by contractor Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd.

The start of work on the site comes just months after Councillor Matheson promised the council would lead a major building programme across the city to deliver 3500 homes for rent.

The council, working in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association and other Registered Social Landlords, is identifying sites across the city that are publicly owned and where the 3500 homes can be built.

GHA is working closely with Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd to ensure job and training opportunities for as many local people as possible.

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd, said: "This development will offer tenants the opportunity to put down roots in a modern new apartment.

"We are in the fifth year of our construction and development programme with the GHA."

People in the area, particularly GHA's local committee, Compass LHO, have been heavily involved in shaping the plans.

GHA's completed new homes so far include: 69 at Oatlands; 259 in north Glasgow; 127 in Govan; 86 in Pollok; 93 in Shawbridge; 23 in Mount Florida; 85 in west Glasgow; and 80 in the east of the city.

Work is under way on 62 homes in Gallowgate and 75 in Conisborough Road in Easterhouse. The 44 now started at Duke Street/High Street takes the total number of homes finished or under way to more than 1000.

A further 98 homes are being built for GHA tenants at the Games Village in Dalmarnock.

Since the association was set up under the city's housing stock transfer in 2003, it has also spent £1billion modernising almost 70,000 former council homes.

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk