Link wins three national awards
Link, one of Scotland’s largest providers of affordable housing and support services, won Housing Association of the Year at the Scottish Home Awards 2023.
It was a successful evening for Link, as Bunston Grove, in Greenock, was awarded Housing Regeneration Project of the Year and Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year.
Link Chief Executive Jon Turner said: “I am absolutely delighted Link won three awards at the prestigious awards. This success is a recognition of the hard work, and innovation Link has carried out over the last 12 months.
“Whilst it is satisfying to be acknowledged by the industry as one of the leading housing associations in Scotland, we will not be complacent in our aim of creating sustainable communities and building contemporary housing which offers everyone a fantastic place to live.”
Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “A huge congratulations to Link Group on their hat-trick of award wins, including for the Bunston Grove development in Greenock.
“It’s also great exposure for Inverclyde on a national stage at the prestigious Scottish Home Awards and worthy recognition for the efforts being made by the council alongside Link and all our housing partners in developing and delivering high quality and affordable accommodation for our residents.
“We know Inverclyde is a great place to live, work and visit but it’s wonderful to receive a ringing endorsement such as this.”
In May 2023, the first phase of Bunston Grove was completed providing 149 homes for social rent. The development comprises a mixture of houses, cottage flats, and bungalows, with 17 homes designed to wheelchair-accessible standards.
The development successfully regenerates a vacant and derelict site which has lain empty since the former Ravenscraig Hospital closed in 2014, delivering much-needed affordable homes to Greenock.
The project has been delivered by C~urb Property Development, Link’s commercial subsidiary, along with the Scottish Government, Inverclyde Council, and two local housing associations Larkfield and Oaktree. The contractor Mactaggart Construction Ltd, and the design team Stallan Brand Architects, Fairhurst engineers, Armour Construction Consultants, and Rankin Fraser have enabled the creation of a new neighbourhood with a high-quality sense of place.
Seventy-eight properties will be available for social rent managed by Larkfield Housing Association, on Link’s behalf, whilst Oaktree Housing Association has acquired 71 homes for social rent on completion of the development.
Link Group Commercial Director Colin Culross said: “I’m delighted Bunston Grove has been recognised nationally through winning Housing Regeneration Project of the Year and Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year. As well as offering modern design and an emphasis on place-making, the development also provides much-needed affordable housing for people in Greenock and the surrounding area, transforming lives and enhancing a sense of community in the process.
“We are grateful for the support shown by our partners and all those connected to this very special project. The fact that Bunston Grove has been recognised nationally is a testament to all those who have worked so hard in making it a success.”
The 16th annual Homes for Scotland Awards occurred at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday, June 22.