THE site of a former community centre in Barrhead is set to be handed over to a housing association to allow new social-rented homes to be built.

East Renfrewshire Council-owned land at Blackburn Square — where Auchenback Community Centre previously stood — could be used for four to six accessible flats.

Barrhead News:

Barrhead Housing Association would lead on the development if a deal, which would see the council dispose of the site, expected to be worth around £60,000 on the open market, at “nil value”, is agreed.

Cabinet members will be asked to back the plan — described as “an exemplar for sustainable social housing” — at a meeting next week. 

A report by council officials states the “small long-term vacant plot”, between 6 and 8 Blackburn Square and 18 Blackburn Square, was “cleared and levelled over 10 years ago”. 

It is estimated the land “can reasonably accommodate four to six units of affordable (social rented) housing”, designed to “meet enhanced wheelchair or accessible housing standards, comprising lift access”.

Officials added there is “long-term pressure for affordable homes to meet local needs”, which has been “amplified since 2019 by significant increases in homelessness and waiting list numbers”.

Research has previously found that there is “unmet need” for accessible homes, particularly within affordable housing.

The report adds: “The proposed development is led by Barrhead Housing Association in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council and the health and social care partnership (HSCP).

“It aims to pilot new technology that will reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty for social housing tenants. The pilot will also test new design elements that can be adaptable to the changing physical needs of those with limiting health conditions.”

The proposal to dispose of the site at nil value has been brought forward as the council believes the plan “would bring key community and social benefits, and support delivery of several of the council’s strategic housing priorities”.

“In particular, the critical need for more affordable housing and to develop sustainable communities and support people to live well at home.”

The first occupants are set to be those “in most need” who “will benefit significantly from the housing model on offer”, and will be identified with project partners, including the HSCP.

Officials reported: “As the strategic housing authority, the council wishes to support this project to test and learn about sustainable design, and how we can futureproof the homes being built locally for our residents.

“The vital learning from this pilot project will be used to inform future social housing developments, aids and adaptations provision and carbon reduction projects. 

“It will also provide much needed social housing. With that in mind, this is considered best value to dispose of and re-use this vacant site for the project outlined.”