The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations have announced that they are about to start building 13 new homes for rent on the gap site known as Turnberry Place at the heart of Castlehill in Dumbarton and have awarded the contract to Cruden Building & Renewals Ltd.

The latest development achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment over the past few years of the Castlehill & Westcliff Housing & Regeneration Group, as well as the generosity of West Dunbartonshire Council who made the decision earlier this year to sell the site at less than market value. This partnership approach has ‘kick started' the regeneration of the Castlehill & Westcliff communities.

To mark the occasion a ‘sod' cutting ceremony was held on site on Tuesday, 1st November 2011 in glorious sunshine. In attendance were West Dunbartonshire Councillors, Members of the Castlehill & Westcliff Housing & Regeneration Group, representatives from Cruden Building & Renewals, as well as staff and committee from Dunbritton Housing Association.

The event commenced with a speech from John O'Connor, Convenor of Dunbritton Housing Association who stated: "I am delighted to welcome you all here on this fine day to cut the "sod" in celebration of the regeneration of this derelict area. The landscape of this area will change which in turn brings the possibility of a new start for the Community."

Liz Ruine, Chair of the Castlehill & Westcliff Housing & Regeneration Group said: "I am excited at the prospect of change within the Castlehill Community and wish to express my appreciation of the efforts of all my fellow members."

Cllr William Hendrie took the opportunity to say: "The local community have been crying out for something to be done for years with this land and I'm really pleased that action is now taking place. Not only will this site provide much needed high-quality housing in West Dunbartonshire, it will also act as a driver of regeneration in the wider area."

The development will include a 3-bedroom wheelchair adapted flat, 10 cottage flats and 2 semi-detached houses. Development services to bring this project to fruition are being provided by Cube Housing Association.

On a slightly negative note, we are saddened to advise that building works are not able to commence until a vital service diversion is carried out by Scottish Power. While we are in close contact with Scottish Power to resolve these issues we do not anticipate that work on site will be able to commence until very early into the New Year, although with a short contract programme, the houses will still be completed by September 2012.

One of the conditions of the site disposal was to provide West Dunbartonshire Council with 100% Nomination rights. The council will therefore be responsible for allocating all of the 13 of the properties to applicants on their waiting list so anyone interested in applying for one of the properties should approach the council direct.