Work to build 40 new council homes at the former Phillips Factory site in Hamilton has kicked off. 

Plans for the site were approved by the council in February last year and will form part of a wider 163-unit development. 

Lovell will build the homes on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council and the development will form part of the local authority’s long-term plans to provide 1300 affordable homes by 2027.

Councillor Davie Mclachlan (Hamilton North and East),  chair of the housing and technical resources committee, welcomed the plans.

He said: “It’s fantastic news that we are continuing to make progress in improving the availability of high-quality social housing across South Lanarkshire.

“When complete, these homes will be a welcome addition to the council housing stock and help us meet our target of 1300 additional homes by 2027.

“The important thing is that we are making a difference by providing more affordable social housing, of a variety that meets the needs of local people while maintaining affordability and value for money.”

The Scottish Government will partly fund the development as part of its grant for delivering more homes across the country. 

The estate will be named the Glow Garrens Development and 40 of the 163 homes at the site will be owned by South Lanarkshire Council’s housing service.

Sarah Freel, Partnerships Manager for Lovell, said:  “Glow Garren is one of our most important sites in Scotland, providing the right mix of housing needed for the local area to grow and thrive in the future.

“As part of that, I am delighted we are working with South Lanarkshire Council to deliver 40 high-quality homes for social rent that will provide housing for individuals and families.

“Partnership working is the key to providing the homes Scotland needs and Lovell are one of the pioneers of an effective approach of working with both councils and housing associations across the country.

“I can’t wait to see these homes completed and families move in, adding to the richness of the local community.”