Renfrewshire Council

They are part of the Howwood Road area regeneration and renewal programme which is building new council houses, demolishing properties and making outside improvements to existing homes. 

New Council houses 

McTaggart Construction have been awarded the contract to design and build the first phase of Council houses.  

They will be building 70 homes on the site of the former Cochrane Castle Primary School and on the grassed area next to this, off Highcraig Avenue. 

The development will provide a mix of property types and sizes including cottage flats with direct access and garden areas, bungalows and houses.  

Many will be wheelchair-accessible and include 5-bedroom Council homes for the first time. 

The new homes being built will meet the highest standards in energy efficiency, coming complete with air source heat pumps and solar panels. 

Who will move into these new homes 

Council tenants and residents living in the Howwood Road regeneration and renewal area who are being rehoused as part of the first phase of demolition have the right to be considered for these new homes. 

Public consultation drop-in event 

There is a public consultation event on Wednesday 22 May between 3pm and 7pm at Thorn Athletic Sports Academy (Thomas Shanks Park, Greenend Avenue, Johnstone, PA5 0LE). 

You can drop by any time to: 

• See the initial proposals and discuss them with the housebuilder McTaggart Construction. The feedback gathered will shape the final designs and site layout. 
• Speak to our housing teams about everything that's happening at Howwood Road 
• Meet council staff there to offer job and healthcare support 
• Get involved in forming a tenant and resident group 

Provide feedback online 

McTaggart Construction are sharing the initial proposals online from Monday 20 May until Friday 31 May 2024. 

During this time there's a short online survey to capture your feedback.

What happens next 

Feedback gathered at the public consultation drop-in event and through online feedback will shape the final designs and site layout. 

There will be a further consultation event in June 2024 before a planning application is submitted. 

Contact the Council 

If you would like any more information email regeneration.hps@renfrewshire.gov.uk.