Tenants will move into new Glasgow development next month

Govan Housing Association began construction at Water Row in 2021 in their biggest-ever project, which is part of a wider master plan to regenerate the Govan community. 

Now in a 'further step forward', the association says the first residents will be home in time for Christmas. 

Water Row development (Image: Govan Housing Association)

The 92 two-bedroom flats have been built in a mixture of four to six-storey blocks on top of six commercial units and will offer views over the Clyde to the Riverside Museum. 

It will neighbour the new £29.5 million Govan-Partick bridge which is expected to be completed in spring 2024. 

Work is also expected to be carried out to improve the appearance of the area surrounding the new homes to accompany the new development. 

The association's group chief executive, Caron Quinn, said:  “These new homes are the first phase of a bigger multi-million pound Masterplan which will breathe new life into the Govan community.

"The delivery of much-needed affordable homes in the heart of our community remains a number one priority for Govan Housing Association.

“It is great news that our tenants will begin moving into their new homes as soon as November in what is a first phase.

“We also acknowledge the efforts of many partners and agencies in working together and look forward to delivering new housing and further regeneration for our community.”

The development is being built by CCG (Scotland) and has been designed to meet Glasgow City Council’s ‘Glasgow Standard’ of affordable, warm, safe and highly energy-efficient homes.

In another boost to the local area, CCG has been delivering training and employment opportunities with a particular emphasis on apprenticeships. 

Govan resident Brendan Simpson, 17, will undertake a four-year programme with the company while he studies at college to become a joiner.

Brendan Simpson (Image: Govan Housing Assocation)

He said: “My apprenticeship so far has been a great experience. I wanted to become a joiner as I really enjoyed woodwork at school but also because…everyone needs a joiner!

“I want to have my own business one day and I know the skills that I am learning on the tools with CCG will help me achieve that.

"It also makes me feel very proud to be part of such an important project next to where I live.”

CCG's director, John Baggley added: “These new, energy-efficient homes and the Govan-Patrick bridge will be transformative for the local area and equally so, the legacy of jobs, training and work placement opportunities will go a long way to supporting community members for years to come.

“Alongside the appointment of Brendan, local residents make up two of the four jobs that we have created thus far whilst our partnership with Developing Young Workforce and DWP Govan has also helped deliver three site-based work placements.

“We are delighted to be working with Govan Housing Association and look forward to welcoming tenants within the coming weeks.”

Laura Edwards of Govan Housing Association, Apprentice Brendan Simpson and CCG’s John Baggley (Image: Govan Housing Association)

Water Row has been funded by a combination of loans taken out by the Govan Housing Association as well as public funding in the form of grants from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, the “Glasgow City Region City Deal” and Clyde Mission Fund.

Councillor Kenny McLean, the convener for housing at Glasgow City Council, said: “This new development at Water Row will not only provide fantastic new homes for the people who will live there but is another example of the transformation of the Clydeside and Govan currently taking place. 

"We are delighted to have supported the building of this landmark development on the banks of the Clyde.”