CONSTRUCTION has started on a new affordable housing development in Calton.

Thrity-two mid-market rent flats are being built at the corner of Little Dovehill and Bell Street. Planning permission for the properties on the former Dovehill School site was given in February.

The homes are being developed by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and will be managed by Lowther Homes, both part of Wheatley Group, Scotland’s largest housing, care and property management group. The project is supported by grant funding of £2.4million from Glasgow City Council.

Designed by John Gilbert Architects, Dovehill will have 29 two-bedroom flats plus three one-bedroom properties specially designed for wheelchair users.

A private backcourt area with amenity space will also be provided alongside five parking spaces including three suitable for wheelchair users and two available for those using the Glasgow City Car Club, with all being compatible for electric charging.

The development will meet the ‘Glasgow Standard’ of space and energy efficiency compliance and will be delivered by CCG with works set to be complete in the summer of next year.

The project is one of three development sites that are part of the regeneration vision set out in the council’s Calton Area Development Framework and Calton-Barras five-year Action Plan.

David Fletcher, Wheatley Group’s director of development, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing these new city centre homes take shape. Mid-market rent is a great option for people who may not qualify for social housing and helps with the supply of affordable homes across the city.”

CCG managing director, David Wylie added: “The regeneration of this derelict site will positively support new-build housing supply in the city centre and we look forward to working with Wheatley Group as the programme progresses.”

The development at Little Dovehill is close to Watson Street, where CCG is building 46 mid-market homes for Lowther Homes, which should be finished next year, and Lowther Homes’ award-winning conversion of the former Bell Street Stables which was completed in 2019. It is also close to a development of 54 flats under construction on the north side of Bell Street.