£3.5m boost for Burns Court

The work at Burns Court, in Kirkintilloch, was carried out over three years.

Improvements include new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems, external wall insulation, new double glazed windows, solar panels to reduce hot water bills, a maintenance free pitched roof, works to the building’s façade, new personal sun spaces for every flat, increased security measures - including door entry systems, concierge service and CCTV, along with new refuse collection arrangements.

The regeneration works bring the 52 homes up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standards (SHQS) and ensure they also meet strict energy efficiency standards, five years ahead of the 2020 target.

Councillor Ashay Ghai, who is set to leave the ruling council coalition this week, said: “The availability of high quality and affordable public housing has always been a priority for me, so it is a pleasure to be involved in this housing upgrade completion as my last official act as deputy leader of the council.

“I could not be more impressed with the regeneration and the standard of work carried out.

“As well as having modernised warmer homes to live in with new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems, they also have more space thanks to the creation of individual sun spaces for every flat.

“The old bin chutes have also been removed, meaning the closes are cleaner and sleeker.

“We have also given a lot of thought to security and a new concierge service will begin soon. CCTV images will be beamed into the office so together with new door entry systems, security will be a top priority.”