A CELEBRATION FOR  BARNES ROAD

15 years on Maryhill records  community housing success

MARYHILL Housing Association has celebrated  the 15th anniversary of one of  its greatest community housing success stories.

The Association transformed a run-down socially-deprived area of Ruchill in Glasgow with new housing and in so doing transformed the lives of families living there.

This week a celebration took place at the Association’s offices to record 15 years of the new homes - a community transformation that still ranks as one of the Association's best achievements to date.

Many residents, staff members and committee members involved in the so-called Barnes Road stock transfer attended the get-together.

The transfer of 367 homes from the then Glasgow District Council was following by a significant demolition and new build programme. Today there are around 220 homes made up of housing association properties and privately owned homes. Prior to the transfer over 50 per cent of the homes were void properties.

Bobby Pollock, Community Development Officer  at Maryhill, joined the staff with a specific remit to work on the Barnes Road project. He said: “The Barnes Road initiative was a significant challenge for the Association. Up till that time Maryhill was largely involved in refurbishing tenements in Maryhill Road. So this was something different.

“But looking back it was a major success and breathed new life into an area of Ruchill where few people wanted to live. Now it is a thriving community.”

Crucial to the giant project was involvement of local people and the Barnes Road Action Group made up of local residents worked closely with the Association on the decision-making process.

Willy Briody, Director of Maryhill Housing Association added: “Barnes Road was a significant step forward for this housing association and marked a new phase in our work as a community-based housing provider. The success of these homes illustrates the key role that housing associations have in Scotland in our ongoing desire to give people the homes they deserve.”

*The Association was pleased to welcome to the celebration two talented Ruchill youngsters - Megan Malcolm and Jemma McManus who entertained those attending with a superb repertoire of songs. The duo recently took part in the Ruchill’s Got Talent contest which the Association funded and organised in partnership with Ruchill Youth Project”