A MAJOR milestone has been reached in the regeneration of Anderston following a decade of work.

Buildings dating back to the 1960s have been demolished and replaced with 540 affordable homes in the project by Sanctuary Scotland, Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

The final phase of work has now reached completion with the remaining 206 flats - including 87 flats for social rent and 119 for mid-market rent - being handed over to residents.

As well as breathing new life into Anderston’s housing stock, a section of Argyle Street lost to pedestrians and cyclists in 1960s has also been restored creating an unbroken thoroughfare from the city centre to Finnieston.

The area is now home to three child play areas.

Helen Campbell-Adeyanju moved into a ground-floor Sanctuary flat with her husband, daughter and two sons.

The 43-year-old said said: “We feel like we’ve won the lottery. Our sons are autistic and the ground-floor flat means they are able to go outside and interact with other children.

“The boys have come on leaps and bounds in our short time here.

“The sense of community is helped by the number of areas put in for families to meet up and mix.”

Linda McAuley’s move from a top-floor tenement flat has given her a new lease of life.

Linda, 61, said: “I was virtually housebound at my old flat so living here has been life-changing.

“I can now get out and about thanks to the lift in my close. My flat’s a good size and was also adapted to suit me before I moved in.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, visited Anderston to hear how the regeneration has improved people’s lives.

She said: “The transformation is amazing and shows it is possible to create hundreds of high quality, affordable homes in the heart of Glasgow.

“The project appears to have enhanced Anderston’s already strong sense of community, providing residents old and new with places to play and socialise.

“This regeneration’s improved the lives of many residents including those I had the pleasure of meeting.

“I’m delighted Glasgow City Council worked with Sanctuary to complete a wonderful addition to the city’s housing stock.”

Peter Martin, Sanctuary’s Group Director – Development, added: “Our masterplan for Anderston has transformed the area, creating housing fit for future generations.

“We will formally complete our regeneration of Anderston with the installation of public art in December. Sanctuary’s significant investment in Glasgow will continue with the ambitious redevelopment of the city’s former Victoria Infirmary site.”