The project gives a new long-term future to a development which had faced years of uncertainty following the withdrawal of revenue funding in 2017.

Originally comprising 21 predominantly small, studio, bungalows, alongside communal facilities that were no longer fit for purpose, Manse Gardens had become largely underoccupied.

Since 2022, Trust has worked closely with existing customers, Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government and project partners to find a way of retaining the homes while fundamentally reshaping the site around current local housing need.

Work began in spring 2025, with five studio bungalows selectively removed to create a new communal open space within the heart of the development. The remaining studio homes were each extended and all 16 homes comprehensively refurbished.

The result is a balanced mix of 16 general needs homes, comprising 13 one-bedroom properties, two two-bedroom homes and a three-bedroom family home.

All of the properties are now allocated, with six existing customers returning to Manse Gardens following completion of the works and new residents joining them to establish a renewed community.

The regeneration has also transformed the environmental performance of the development. New insulation, high heat-retention electric storage heating, solar panels and battery storage have been introduced through a programme of energy efficiency improvements. All 16 homes have achieved EPC Band A, making Manse Gardens amongst Trust’s most energy-efficient homes.

By retaining and upgrading much of the existing housing, the project has also achieved a lower carbon impact than wholesale demolition and new build, while preserving much-needed affordable homes in a rural community.

Jackie McIntosh, chief executive at Trust, said: “Regeneration is not about starting again. At Manse Gardens, the right answer was to recognise the potential in what was already there, reshape it around local housing need and invest properly in its long-term future.

“That approach has allowed us to retain much-needed homes in Strachur, welcome existing customers back to a place they know, and create a development that performs to an exceptionally high environmental standard.

“What is particularly important is that this is not merely a refurbishment of buildings. Manse Gardens now works differently as a place. There is a better mix of homes, a more open layout and shared outdoor space, and every property has been brought up to a standard that will serve customers well for years to come.

“It is an example of the kind of thoughtful regeneration that can protect existing housing, reduce environmental impact and deliver something genuinely better for the community.”

With limited temporary housing available locally, Trust worked closely with the six existing customers during the redevelopment, including arranging accommodation at nearby Hunter’s Quay Holiday Park while the extensive works were carried out. All six have since returned to their refurbished homes.

The works were delivered by Argyll and Bute-based TSL Contractors Limited, and Trust has been supported in the design and delivery of the project by Anderson Bell + Christie Architects, NBM Construction Cost Consultants, Carbon Futures, Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects, Macdonald & Cameron Ltd and Green Home Systems Limited.

The cost of delivering the regeneration of Manse Gardens was met by Trust Housing Association, supported by funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, Argyll & Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund and a proportion of ECO4 grant funding.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, social justice and housing secretary, said: “The opening of the Strachur housing development is a significant milestone for this rural community. The refurbishment has not only retained much-needed affordable homes for the area, but has also delivered high environmental standards, helping to reduce energy costs for residents while supporting our net zero ambitions.

“It is particularly pleasing to see both returning and new residents making their homes here, creating a thriving and sustainable community at the heart of Manse Gardens.

“This development has been supported through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme, which is helping to deliver affordable homes across the country. This year we are investing £926 million in the Programme, with Argyll and Bute receiving over £20 million.”

Cllr Jim Lynch, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, added: “The regeneration of Manse Gardens shows what can be achieved when partners work together to secure the long-term future of housing in our rural communities.

“By investing in the existing development rather than losing these homes, the project has created high-quality, sustainable housing that responds to local need while retaining an important source of affordable homes in Strachur. The refurbished homes also reflect changing housing needs, providing more accommodation suitable for single-person households as family sizes become smaller and demand for this type of housing continues to grow.

“It is particularly encouraging to see a development that had faced an uncertain future brought back into full use, with existing residents returning and new households now making Manse Gardens their home.”

Manse Gardens has also been shortlisted in the Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability category at the 2026 CIH Scotland Housing Awards, with the winners to be announced on 13 November.