THE first homes of on the historic grounds of the John Browns shipyard are starting to take shape.

A total of 146 affordable homes for social rent are under construction on the Queens Quay development, including a mix of one, two and three-bed flats and 14 adapted for wheelchair users.

It sits next to the massive new Clydebank Health Centre and will be heated by the world-leading district heating plant, drawing heat from the Clyde to feed into buildings along the river.

The homes are being delivered by Cube Housing Association in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) and Clydebank Housing Association. Cube will let 80 of the properties, WDC will let another 29 and Clydebank Housing the remaining 37.

Work resumed at the site in June after being paused for months during the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotland’s housing minister, Kevin Stewart, said: “This new development will provide people with safe, warm, accessible homes, and also deliver a boost to the area with additional social and economic benefits for the local community.

“Good quality, affordable housing helps people to enjoy better health and achieve their full potential.”

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This is Cube’s largest new-build development to date and will form part of the £250m regeneration of Queens Quay.

Cube chairman Peter Kelly said: “These 146 new homes are an important part of the transformation of the Queens Quay area.

“They will bring much-need affordable homes to the area, in a mix of sizes, for local people and families. They’ll be modern, energy-efficient and spacious and they’ll also be in a great location, close to the River Clyde and within walking distance of the town centre.

“We’re delighted to be working with West Dunbartonshire Council and Clydebank Housing Association on delivering this fantastic development as part of the wider regeneration of the old John Brown’s shipyard.”

Clydebank Housing said there are more than 700 people on their waiting list so the new properties would be a welcome addition.

They added: “We are delighted to be working with both Cube and WDC on this prestigious new build housing development in the heart of our town.

“We are thankful to both the Scottish Government and our lenders CAF Bank for their financial support.”