Working in partnership with local contractor Wilson Developments (Scotland) Limited, the £9m project will transform this former industrial site into a sustainable town centre development comprising a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses and cottage flats all available for social rent.

At the recent sod cutting event, Housing Convener, councillor Michael McPake said: “I’m delighted to be part of the event marking the beginning of another new housing development for North Lanarkshire. These new homes for rent in Bellshill, being delivered by Trust, will provide modern, affordable housing for the area, supporting local need.

“This project is just one of a number included in North Lanarkshire’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) which aims to deliver over 2,300 homes, regenerating our communities and town centres, bringing benefits to the local economy including new jobs and improving the lives of tenants and residents.

“New developments such as this one at Reema Road complement our own shared ambition of delivering quality housing to meet the needs of the local community and I look forward to the development progressing.”

Within walking distance to Bellshill town centre, the new homes will offer good access to a range of local amenities and transport links for new customers. The new energy efficient homes are designed in compliance with Housing for Various Needs, the Greener Standard, and Secure by Design Bronze Standard specifications.  In addition, two of the properties have been specifically designed to amenity standard.

The project is supported by a grant of £5.6m from the Scottish Government and will be completed in phases, through to final handovers of homes by October 2026, but with the first handovers expected in March 2026.

Steve McGowan, board member at Trust, said: “We are delighted to have started on site at Reema Road, delivering what we know are desperately needed affordable family homes within a key town centre brownfield site.

“The project has been in the making for a number of years and the recent site start and construction progress is testament to the commitment and collaboration shown by our partners, Wilson Developments, North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government. We would like to thank them all for their continued support, especially in light of the extremely challenging conditions we have faced across the housing sector in delivering new build projects in recent years.

“The site start, at Reema Road builds on success of our Park Place development in Wishaw town centre, as we continue to play our part in meeting the established need for more affordable housing and supporting town centre regeneration in North Lanarkshire and beyond.”

As well as providing homes for new customers, local contractor, Wilson Developments, have provided a Community Benefit contribution of £50,000 to Trust’s Hardship Fund, which was established in 2022, to offer help towards essential living costs in recognition of the cost-of-living challenges being experienced by our customers.

Steven Wilson, managing director, Wilson Developments (Scotland) Limited, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Trust on the Reema Road development, delivering much-needed, high-quality social housing for the Bellshill area.

“This project reflects our shared commitment to creating sustainable communities and transforming underused sites into places people are proud to call home.

“We were proud to provide a contribution to Trust’s Hardship Fund, which offers essential support to their customers during difficult times. We look forward to seeing the positive and lasting impact this development will have on the local community.”