Sanctuary’s team building new homes in Greenock.

Sanctuary Scotland has commenced work on a project to develop 64 new homes at the former health centre site in Greenock, in collaboration with the Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council. What sets this project apart is that Sanctuary is utilising its own in-house construction team to build these homes, ensuring a seamless and efficient construction process.
The development will include a variety of one, two, three, and four-bedroom flats and houses, all designated for social rent. John Arthur, a voluntary board member at Sanctuary Scotland, highlighted the significance of having an in-house construction team in the current challenging market conditions, which have seen many contractors struggle and cease operations due to high levels of inflation.
Arthur emphasised, “Having our own construction team not only grants us more control over the build process and quality but also enables us to commence construction sooner, delivering much-needed affordable housing to local communities at a faster pace.”
The Scottish Government has pledged a grant of £6.9 million to support this project, which is anticipated to be completed in approximately 18 months, with the first homes expected to be ready by early spring 2026. Notably, four of the flats are specially designed to cater to individuals with diverse accessibility needs.
Additionally, the site’s strategic location near the town centre ensures easy access to local amenities and transportation links. This initiative marks Sanctuary’s fifth new build scheme in Inverclyde, underscoring its commitment to addressing the escalating demand for affordable housing in the region.
Commenting on the project, Housing minister Paul McLennan expressed his satisfaction with the commencement of construction, stating, “The initiation of 64 new social rented homes at the Duncan Street development in Inverclyde is a significant step towards ensuring high-quality housing to attract and retain residents in our communities.”
Similarly, Councillor Michael McCormick, the convener of environment and regeneration at Inverclyde Council, hailed the project as a vital component of the council’s strategic housing delivery programme. McCormick asserted, “The prospect of 64 new, affordable homes for Greenock and Inverclyde is a positive development that addresses the housing needs of the area.”
As the need for affordable housing continues to rise, initiatives such as this not only provide essential shelter for residents but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of communities. With a focus on delivering high-quality, affordable homes, Sanctuary’s commitment to enhancing the housing landscape in Inverclyde stands as a beacon of hope for those in search of secure and affordable housing solutions.