A community-based housing association operating in North Glasgow has received a £25m funding boost to increase energy efficiency in its homes and develop new social housing.

The recipient is Maryhill Housing Association (MHA), which has been working in the Maryhill and Ruchill areas for almost 50 years and is responsible for over 3000 local properties.

The deal comes as Royal Bank of Scotland unveiled a £5 billion lending package to bolster the UK social housing sector over the next three years.

The housing association says it will use the Royal Bank of Scotland funding to invest in its homes’ energy efficiency, replacing old storage heaters in over 600 homes with new high heat retention technology, reducing running costs, and allowing tenants to be less susceptible to fluctuating energy bills.

The improvements will contribute to wider attempts to deliver on environmental goals, in line with Glasgow’s ambitious targets of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045. The housing association has committed to working with external associations to develop an affordable warmth and net zero strategy this year.

The £25m will also fund the construction of 16 new energy-efficient homes to be provided for social rent on Smeaton Street in the Ruchill area of Glasgow due for delivery in summer 2024.

Bryony Willet, Chief Executive at Maryhill Housing Association, said: “To create strong and thriving communities, we need to provide more than just homes, we need to support our customers’ wellbeing and the long-term interests of our communities in a range of ways. One such focus is our sustainability projects to provide our tenants with the most efficient and effective solutions available, contributing to a greener Scotland.

“Funding from Royal Bank of Scotland is invaluable in allowing us to refurbish more homes quicker, and create new builds that are not only fit for service, but fit for building a life in.”

Alan Newlands, Relationship Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “As a part of Royal Bank of Scotland’s commitment to invest £5bn to tackle the housing crisis, we wanted to support Maryhill Housing Association in its continual strive to improve the efficiency of its homes for its tenants.

“Both retrofitting and new construction are crucial in tackling the pertinent issues in the housing sector within Scotland and we are keen to help registered social landlords tackle such issues.

“Together with Maryhill we have built a strong relationship dating back to 2003, and over that time we have seen the investment and care they put into projects. We are excited to see how they continue to renovate and innovate within the communities in which they operate.”