Inverclyde Now Logo LOW-Demand Greenock Flats To Be Knocked Down

5 March, 2020 | Local

OAK Tree Housing Association has decided to empty and demolish low-demand flats in a Greenock street.

Seventy-two properties in 12 closes in Maple Road will eventually be knocked down under the plan.

Half of the flats are already empty. Vacant properties in the closes will no longer be available for let. Six other closes in the street will be kept.

Nick Jardine, chief executive,said: “We have been investigating issues of low demand in Maple Road for some time now and have held several meetings with residents living in the flats.

“We have also communicated with private owners about the likely lifespan of the properties and the activities we have considered to increase the popularity of this stock.

“Many alternative solutions have been considered, including discussions with other agencies to release some empty properties for specialist projects. Although there was some interest initially, this potential route proved unsuccessful.

“Having exhausted alternative solutions and recognising it is now unlikely that demand for the Maple Road flats will improve in the future, our board have agreed that a number will no longer be available for rent.”

Oak Tree Housing Association acquired the Maple Road flats from the then Scottish Homes in 1997. Despite significant investment over the years, demand has, overall, continued to decline.

The majority of Oak Tree’s recent investment has been contained to six closes, which it will continue to manage and maintain.

Each close contains six flats with a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom accommodation.

The housing association will discuss rehousing requirements with the 36 tenants in the affected closes and support all the tenants, including any who wish to re-located in the same area.

As each block of flats becomes vacant, the intention is to demolish the properties, a process likely to take two to three years to complete.

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