The contract, awarded to Morris & Spottiswood, represents the final phase of the Southwest Govanhill Property Acquisition and Repair Project.

Formed in 1974, Govanhill Housing Association has long championed the rescue and restoration of tenement housing for social rent. But when national improvement funding ended around the millennium, many properties in South Govanhill fell into the hands of private landlords operating at the lowest end of the market. Exploiting new migrants unfamiliar with their housing rights, this contributed to severe overcrowding, unsafe living conditions, and widespread disrepair.

By the early 2010s, Govanhill had become Scotland’s most densely populated neighbourhood, with some homes unfit for habitation and many owner-occupiers trapped in negative equity. Media coverage at that time highlighted the scale of decline, with some tabloids branding the area “Govan‑hell”.

Recognising the need for urgent intervention, Govanhill Housing Association, supported by Glasgow City Council, petitioned the Scottish Parliament, leading to the creation of Enhanced Enforcement Areas (EEAs) under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014. Govanhill became Scotland’s first EEA in 2015, enabling unprecedented action against rogue landlords through a ground-breaking partnership between Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and the Association.

Almost £50m of public investment, supplemented by significant Association funding, has since been directed into acquiring, repairing and re‑letting formerly substandard homes. A total of 394 properties, 69% formerly in the private rented sector, have been refurbished to a high standard and brought into social ownership.

This investment also included work with owners on vital common works to the external fabric of buildings. The Association also assumed factoring responsibilities in 80 closes, tackling long‑standing issues such as defective roofs, structural instability, rot, unsafe stairways and the absence of secure entry systems.

A decade on, Govanhill has undergone a remarkable shift. Once associated with severe deprivation, it is now known for its vibrant eateries, independent shops, cultural events, and diverse small businesses. Some environmental challenges remain; however, property values have risen, and the area has re‑established itself as a desirable place to live. Despite these improvements, 97 Westmoreland Street has stood as one of the last reminders of the physical decay present at the start of the project.

Once described as a “notorious slum”, the tenement at 97 Westmoreland Street has long been emblematic of the challenges facing the area. Years of neglect led to severe deterioration, prompting Glasgow City Council to approve compulsory purchase of orders for seven flats, four of which were eventually carried out. All eight homes are now owned by Govanhill Housing Association, enabling full redevelopment to proceed.

The refurbishment will address long‑standing safety concerns, including historic access routes to the rear courtyard, particularly via the basement, which were reported to have encouraged crime and unhealthy living conditions. Redesigned access will improve safety, security and usability for future residents.

Govanhill Housing Association chair and local resident Keith Kintrea said: “This new contract with Morris and Spottiswood represents one of the final pieces of the puzzle of the South West Govanhill project to acquire, repair and re-let properties that have fallen into disrepair after years of neglect in the private sector.

“We know that there is still work to be done in Govanhill, nonetheless the Association has made incredibly significant improvements to housing conditions over the last decade.”

Duncan Thomson, private sector group manager at Glasgow City Council, said: “The refurbishment of the tenement property at 97 Westmoreland Street will be welcomed by all parties who have played a part in the regeneration of Govanhill. This contract will bring back into use a building which was a focus of attention for many people and agencies, for all of the wrong reasons, over a period of too many years.

“Albeit there may still be work to do in the area, the restoration of this tenement is a major achievement and will provide more high quality social housing for the local community.”

Paul Beaton, operations & development director at Morris & Spottiswood, added: “We are proud to have partnered with Govanhill HA over a long period of time delivering multiple projects as part of the 10-year regeneration programme at ‘South West Govanhill’. We are delighted to be awarded and are looking forward to delivering the penultimate phase at 97 Westmoreland Street of this transformational project.”