A Glasgow landlord planning to demolish high-rise flats in Maryhill and build new homes on the land has said the majority of tenants back the proposals.
The Wyndford plans were announced by Wheatley Homes last year to create 300 new homes in the area with an investment of £73 million. Four multi-storey blocks – at 151, 171, 191 and 120 Wyndford Road – will be demolished to make way for the new homes.
Wheatley Homes said all other blocks in Wyndford are being retained and upgraded and that more than 250 of the new homes will be for social housing, with the rest for affordable housing.
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One resident Lesley Green, 52, from Carrbridge Drive, said: “I grew up in Maryhill and I’ve lived in Wyndford for six years. It’s a good community and I like it here. People look out for each other.
“I’m happy the blocks are coming down. They’re an eyesore. We need more modern, up-to-date homes built in their place.
“I’m looking forward to more houses to accommodate families in Wyndford and more accessible homes for disabled people too.
“The regeneration plans have given everyone in Wyndford something to look forward to.”
Tenant Sean McNeill, 31, moved from 120 Wyndford Road to Dennistoun in January last year.
He said: “I liked Wyndford, but I didn’t enjoy living in the blocks. The flats were too small and draughty and living there was affecting my mental health.
“Time is up for the blocks. They should have been demolished years ago. The regeneration of Wyndford is overdue. It’s definitely the way forward.”
The third meeting of the Wyndford Futures focus group took place earlier this month, with Lesley present.
Lesley said: “Wheatley have always been open to tenants’ views. Staff are very hands-on and willing to listen and take tenants’ views on board.
“The meetings are a chance to hear from tenants and make us part of the plans. The architects were really involved too, listening and paying attention to what we said we want.
“Wheatley really wants to work with us, so it would be good if as many tenants as possible go to these meetings.
“The future looks better than it did. We’re enthusiastic about making our community somewhere we actually want to live.”
Wheatley has stated that a consultation last year showed 85% of Wyndford tenants who responded supported the regeneration plans, while 87% of tenants living in the four 26-storey blocks earmarked for demolition also backed the proposals.
The company added the regeneration will have no private homes for sale or commercial units included and no land will be sold to private developers.
They stated tenants in the homes are being given expert support and a personalised one-on-one ‘housing options’ interview to identify their preferences while those who wish to return to Wyndford after the redevelopment is completed will be given priority to move back into the area. So far, 90% of tenants have either moved or have been offered another Wheatley home in an area of their choice.
Bernadette Hewitt, Tenant Chair of Wheatley Homes Glasgow, said: “Tenants overwhelmingly support the plans to demolish the four 26-storey blocks and for over £73 million to be invested in their community.
“The new homes we are planning will offer modern, low-rise living spaces. These new homes will also use the latest technology and energy-efficiency standards to help keep tenants’ energy bills low. It’s an exciting time for Wyndford.”
Wheatley Homes Glasgow also said it is spending £13m on other improvements in Wyndford. New CCTV new controlled entry systems are being installed in the remaining multi-storey blocks in the area, and work is to begin on a new 24/7 concierge station this month. More improvements, including an expanded environmental service, improved outdoor spaces, better car parking, new bike stores and new bin stores – will be carried out in the spring.
However, campaigners at Wyndford Residents Union (WRU) are fighting to save the flats at 191, 171, 151 and 120 Wyndford Road from demolition and are urging the landlord to reconsider its decision.
The group believes the high rises can be retained and retrofitted and contended the claim that 85% of residents were in favour of the works. Earlier this month, activists occupied the four blocks in a bid to halt the demolition.
Nick Durie, WRU Membership Secretary, said: "In 14 months GHA have refused to get around the table with the residents union. Unlike GHA and their undemocratic tokenism, we hold open public meetings and all local residents are free to join us, regardless of their views, whereas the GHA's spokescouncil is not open to all local residents, is not open to those who oppose the GHA, and includes many who no longer live in our community.
"As a result of regularly polling our membership, our phonebanking activities, our street stalls, our door chapping and constant engagement on this issue, we know that the Wyndford community is opposed to the GHA's plans to gelignite 600 socially rented homes, and our much loved community centre.
"We also know that the GHA has no concrete plans for what it means to replace these homes and facilities, after the bombing of our community."
Wheatley Homes stated that every tenant in Wyndford received a consultation document through the post and could give their views face-to-face to their housing officer, by email, phone, using the feedback form or by contacting TPAS Scotland independently.
Any tenant who wants to take part in the Wyndford Futures focus group is encourage by Wheatley to talk to their housing officer by emailing talk@wheatleyhomes-glasgow.com or calling 0800 479 7979.
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