Second phase of Kirkwood Street flats plan to get underway

Dec 19 2012 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

The second phase in the multi-million pound redevelopment of flats on Rutherglen’s Kirkwood Street is underway.

Housing management organisation the Link Group have confirmed the project to amalgamate 42 flats into 32 new homes from 13 to 15 Kirkwood Street has started.

The move is part of an ongoing £5milion plan that was first announced 12 months ago to take the number of flats at 13, 15, 23 and 25 Kirkwood Street from 75 to 56.

The original flats are deemed to be small, difficult to heat and poorly configured.

Craig Sanderson, Chief Executive of the Link Group, described the flats last week as “unfit for the 21st Century purpose.”

Designed by ASSIST Architects and developed by CCG (Scotland) Ltd, each new flat will have gas central heating, hot water systems and double glazing to create a “warm, comfortable and energy efficient,” home.

Work has already been completed in transforming 33 flats into 24 on the street, and local tenant, John Hinselwood, said: “The new flats are brilliant. The gas central heating is amazing – the difference has changed my life.”

The work is part of a Comprehensive Tenement Improvement Scheme approved by South Lanarkshire Council and has benefited from £2.24m funding from the Scottish Government.

Council leader, Eddie McAvoy said: “The flats are a key feature in the streetscape of Rutherglen town centre.

“The refurbishment has successfully remodelled the interior flats whilst retaining and preserving the character of this high profile building.

“The 56 high quality energy efficient affordable homes for rent provided through this project will make a substantial contribution to meeting local housing need, whilst helping consolidate substantial ongoing Council investment to improve housing quality in the Rutherglen area.”