Demolition-threatened Ibrox flats given a reprieve thanks to GHA

Sep 21 2011 By Joe McGuire

A MULTI-STOREY block of flats due to be demolished is to be given a new lease of life, thanks to multi-million pound plans announced by the GHA.

The flats at 15 Ibroxholm Oval, formerly used for social housing, were due to be pulled down in the next few months with two others on the site.

But the Scottish Government have given s1.1million from their Innovation and Investment Fund towards redeveloping the block as 98 homes for mid-market rent.

If planning permission is granted, work could start early next year.

GHA executive director of  Development and Regeneration Alex McGuire said: "Not everyone can buy in the current market and our research shows there is strong demand for homes with mid-market rents.

"That's particularly true in Greater Govan where regeneration is bringing a lot of people into the area to work."

The homes will be a mix of 42 one-bedroom flats and 56 two-bedroom flats, with rents predicted to be around s350 to s450 a month.

Demolition of 9 Ibrox Terrace and 8 Ibroxholm Oval, will go ahead as planned.

Infrastructure and Capital Investment secretary Alex Neil said: "With the public purse under huge financial strain, we need radical and innovative approaches to increase housing supply at maximum value for taxpayers' money."

The redevelopment will be more carbon efficient than producing a like number of new-build properties, with GHA planning to ensure the block has an eco-friendly heating system.