HOUSING provider Sanctuary Scotland has marked the handover of 64 new homes for social rent in Greenock, transforming the site of the former health centre on at Duncan Street into a new affordable development.
Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council, the landmark project provides a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom flats and houses to help meet local need in Inverclyde.
The milestone development was supported by a £6.9million grant from the Scottish Government and built by Sanctuary’s in-house construction team.
Designed to support a range of needs, the site includes family homes and two wheelchair-accessible flats, alongside parking, electric vehicle charging capacity and easy access to Greenock town centre, local amenities and transport links.
Representatives from Sanctuary Scotland, Inverclyde Council and the local community attended a handover event to mark the completion.
They were joined by the widow and family of Greenock boxer George Dougan, who has been honoured through the naming of George Dougan Place within the development.
Gillian Lavety, development director for Sanctuary Scotland, said: “We are delighted to mark the handover of these 64 new homes at Duncan Street and welcome residents into this new community.
“This project has brought a former brown-field site back into use, creating much-needed affordable homes for people and families in Greenock. The mix of properties is particularly important, with family housing and specialist accessible flats helping to meet a wide range of local needs.
“It is also fitting that George Dougan Place forms part of the development, creating a lasting tribute to an important local figure and strengthening the connection between these new homes and Greenock’s heritage.
Mrs Dougan, who attended with her family added: “It is a tremendous honour to have a street named after my late husband, George. He dedicated so much of his life to boxing and to helping young people in the community. It was also a real honour to attend the formal handover of the homes today and to see his name recognised in such a meaningful way.
“George was never a showy man, but boxing was his life and the sport meant everything to him. He devoted countless hours to coaching and supporting young boxers, asking for nothing in return. It is wonderful to see him recognised in this way and to know that his contribution will not be forgotten. As a family, we are incredibly proud that his legacy has been acknowledged and that future generations will see his name and remember the positive impact he had on so many lives.”
Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of environment and regeneration at Inverclyde Council, said: “We know how important it is to have high quality, affordable housing and we’re delighted that our partners Sanctuary have been able to deliver that on a prominent site in central Greenock.
“This project is a key part of the council’s five-year strategic housing delivery programme for Inverclyde and will hopefully be the catalyst for more developments across the area with positive discussions already taking place with a number of developers towards that aim.
“The naming of George Dougan Place in memory of someone who meant so much to so many people is the icing on the cake and it’s great that his family and friends were able to mark this occasion with us.”
