CONSTRUCTION has started on the £29.3million first phase of new-build properties at the former Victoria Infirmary on Glasgow’s Southside.

The development by Sanctuary Homes will provide 135 affordable one, two and three-bedroom apartments and 11 retail units.

There will be 60 flats for mid-market rent, 43 for social rent and 32 for New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) sale.

The properties are due to be completed in summer 2022. Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association will manage the 103 homes for rent.

The Victoria’s second phase will create more than 200 homes for open market sale, including apartments in the restored Nightingale Pavilions.

Planning permission for the massive redevelopment was given in May 2018.

Peter Martin, Sanctuary’s group director of development, said: “These affordable homes will be highly sought after and bring new life to a historic site, sowing seeds for the South Side’s newest community.

“We thank Glasgow City Council for sharing our vision for the Victoria and helping fund 135 affordable, accessible homes local residents desperately need.

“The new public realm will complement this first phase of homes, creating an attractive, traffic-free route through the development from Battlefield to Queen’s Park.”

Glasgow City Council contributed £15.7million to increase the number of affordable housing options in the area.

All of the blocks have a lift and 14 of the flats in phase one are wheelchair adaptable.

City council leader Susan Aitken said: “This is a huge project that should deliver real benefits to the local community and the wider city.

“Sanctuary is taking a really important site and retaining and reusing the best of its existing buildings to ensure it continues to be a focal point in the neighbourhood, through quality, affordable housing, places for work and new civic space.”