Ferguslie Park greets housing minister at new homes

Residents at the newly completed housing development in Ferguslie Park gathered to warmly welcome the housing minister to their new homes recently. Paul McLennan MSP visited the Tannahill development in Ferguslie Park to engage with residents and explore the site earlier this year.
The development, constructed by Renfrewshire Council and AS Homes on the grounds of the former St Fergus Primary School, boasts 101 modern, energy-efficient new-build homes. The Scottish Government’s affordable housing supply programme contributed funding towards this project.
Within the larger context of the community-led regeneration of Paisley’s Ferguslie Park area, this project’s success underscores the pivotal role of collaborating with the local community. Many residents had been long-time inhabitants of the area, and their input and feedback were vital to realising this vision.
Over the course of the seven-year regeneration initiative, council officials engaged in extensive consultations with tenants, homeowners, and local groups. This comprehensive approach encompassed public outreach events, local drop-in sessions, newsletters, and regular communication via text and phone calls. These efforts provided avenues for the community to offer insights, express concerns, and actively participate in shaping the future of their neighbourhood.
This proactive engagement was recently recognised at the Scottish Homes Awards, where the project clinched accolades for Housing Regeneration Project of the Year and Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year.
Owner Angela Telford, who has resided in the Tannahill area for over three decades, met with the minister during his visit. Initially apprehensive about relocating, Angela now revels in her new abode.
Expressing her delight, Angela remarked, “When I received the keys to the house and started settling in, it felt wonderful. Within a couple of days, it felt like I had always belonged here.”
She further added, “The thoughtful design of the house ensures that every aspect, from the layout to accessibility features, has been meticulously considered. The spacious kitchen and bathroom are particularly noteworthy. We can now enjoy family meals in the kitchen, a luxury we couldn’t indulge in before.”
Tenants moving into the new homes had the opportunity to influence the design aspects of their residences, including choosing kitchen configurations and expressing preferences for neighbours. Angela highlighted the close-knit community spirit that persists in the new development, reflecting on the thoughtful housing allocations that kept existing social ties intact.
The housing mix includes a variety of property types and sizes to cater to current and future housing requirements in the vicinity. The range of offerings encompasses 2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses, 1 and 2-bedroom cottage flats, and 1 and 2-bedroom bungalows.
While the majority of the new homes belong to the council, a few have been sold to owners within the Tannahill regeneration area through the Scottish Government’s New Supply Shared-Equity scheme.
Council tenant Sarah Lappin, a Ferguslie Park native who lived in Tannahill Terrace for 22 years, graciously hosted the minister in her bungalow during his site visit. Sarah expressed her eagerness to move into her new residence, appreciating the generous space and tranquillity it offers.
During consultations, Sarah had requested to be situated close to her neighbour and friend Betty. Today, they reside next to each other in the newly developed community.
Paul McLennan, the housing minister, lauded the transformative impact of the new homes on the Ferguslie Park community, affirming the Scottish Government’s commitment to enhancing the affordable housing stock in Renfrewshire. McLennan emphasised the importance of providing safe and welcoming homes for all, underlining the enduring value of these energy-efficient properties for generations to come.
Councillor Marie McGurk, the Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, underscored the close ties within the Tannahill community. McGurk acknowledged the collaborative efforts that ensured the community’s desires for attractive, affordable housing were met while preserving their communal identity.
AS Homes, the housing developer contracted by Renfrewshire Council for the Tannahill project, expressed pride in the overwhelmingly positive reception from the community. Managing director Paul Kelly underscored the company’s commitment to inclusive decision-making processes that uphold community members’ voices.
Most tenants transitioning from the nearby Tannahill area, located adjacent to St Mirren’s SMiSA Stadium, have settled into their new homes. Plans are underway to dismantle the vacant blocks at the former site, paving the way for a comprehensive redevelopment as part of The Making of Ferguslie Park, a larger community-led masterplan.
In addition to the Tannahill development, the council embarks on a £100 million housing-led regeneration programme aimed at revitalising housing quality and surrounding areas in eight key locations across Paisley, Johnstone, and Renfrew over the coming decade.