The homes represent the first step in a long-term plan to transform Bellsmyre into a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood.

Bellsmyre is a flagship regeneration project for CHA. The first phase of this significant regeneration initiative has delivered 27 new, high quality social rented homes and represents a £7.3 million investment supported by £4.4m of grant funding from the Scottish Government, delivered in partnership with CCG (Scotland) Ltd and West Dunbartonshire Council.

The Bellsmyre regeneration project will reinvigorate the community by delivering 138 new energy-efficient affordable homes over the next five years, replacing 264 older flats. The homes are built to meet Building Regulations Silver Aspects 1 & 2, incorporating energy-saving features that cut energy demand and help reduce fuel poverty. Typical annual water and space heating costs are estimated at just £250–£300 for a two-bedroom house, a substantial saving compared to older properties.

Alongside new housing, the project will directly help to reduce child poverty, improve accessibility, and provide safer, healthier homes for local families - including larger houses for families with children and level-access properties for tenants with significant medical needs. The wider regeneration will also enhance public spaces and create a greener, more connected neighbourhood that benefits both tenants and the wider community.

Coinciding with Scotland’s Climate Week, the cabinet secretary was introduced to CHA team members, David Wylie, managing director of CCG, and two of the contractor’s trade apprentices who are each gaining employment and skills through the project.

Reiss Fox and Kevin Docherty are fourth year apprentice bricklayers who have been based at the development for eight months.

Kevin said: “Alongside Reiss, I have worked on the homes from first foundations to applying external finishes, and it makes me feel very proud to see the outcome of my hard work. My time as an apprentice with CCG has been very enjoyable - I feel I have learned a lot, and I am really looking forward to becoming fully qualified.”

Following this, CHA chief executive, Julie Cosgrove, led a tour of the newly completed homes for the cabinet secretary to see first-hand the impact that CHA’s investment, the Scottish Government grant, and the strong partnership with CCG have had on the development and the lives of the tenants in the area.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, said: “Welcoming the cabinet secretary for housing to Bellsmyre is a proud day for everyone at Caledonia. Being able to introduce her to members of the team, who have been critical in the success of this major regeneration project so far, as well as some of our apprentices and touring our new high-quality homes is an important milestone for Bellsmyre as we look forward to progressing the project in the coming years.”

Cabinet secretary for housing, Màiri McAllan, added: “Visiting the Bellsmyre site today was a reminder of the impact a thoughtful development can have.

“Over the next five years, 138 high-quality, energy-efficient social rented homes will be delivered. The first phase of 27 homes has been supported by £4.4m in Scottish Government funding. The regeneration of the site will revitalise the area and help to foster a more connected and vibrant community for generations to come.

“This ambitious project is driven by a strong collaboration between Caledonia Housing Association, West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government and will significantly boost the supply of affordable housing in the area.

“And as we mark Climate Week, I’m pleased to see that these energy-efficient homes will significantly reduce fuel costs helping to build a greener, more connected community.”

CCG (Scotland) Ltd managing director, David Wylie, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome our cabinet secretary for housing to Whiteford Avenue, where the positive impact of housing-led regeneration is clearly demonstrated in Bellsmyre.

“By working in partnership with Caledonia HA and our design team, we are delivering much-needed homes at pace, helping to ease local housing pressures - particularly for larger families and those currently living in temporary accommodation - while providing tangible benefits for the wider community such as jobs and training opportunities.

“As the first of five phases, this development sets a strong benchmark for the future of housing delivery in Bellsmyre and the wider Dumbarton area, and we look forward to welcoming its first residents very soon.”

As part of the continued regeneration work taking place in Bellsmyre, Caledonia is working closely with members of the local community and community groups to build strong, long-lasting communities. This involves both community donations and partnerships with organisations including Cutty Sark Centre and Bellsmyre Community Garden.