Renfrewshire Council

Regeneration and renewal plans

Howwood Road is one of the eight areas covered by our Housing-led Regeneration and Renewal Programme.

New Council houses will be delivered in two phases in the Howwood Road area, with improvements to existing homes and environmental works included within the investment proposed for this area.

We will also be carrying out rehousing and demolition of properties on a phased basis.

Map of the plans

This map shows the homes covered by the Howwood Area programme.

It highlights the homes being retained, the homes being demolished and the sites for the first phase of new build council houses.

Map of the plans for Howwood Road [1MB]

Housing improvements

We're planning to make outside improvements to around 196 homes in agreement with owners, helping to make them more energy efficient.

This includes:

• New roofs with new roof trims, gutters, rainwater pipes and solar panels
• External wall insulation
• Balcony improvements
• New TV aerials

Some homes will also receive new windows and there will also be garden area works to improve bin storage and recycling facilities.

We aim to start this programme of works in 2025, beginning with fully owned Council blocks.

Our housing teams will contact owners in blocks with a mix of Council and private ownership to discuss the likely costs and funding options available to them.

Housing teams are also working with partner agencies to identify support for owners where the full block is in private ownership and will contact owners to discuss their circumstances as more information becomes available.

New build council housing

There is at least two phases of new build Council housing being delivered in the Howwood Road area.

Phase one new council houses

McTaggart Construction has been awarded the contract to design and build 70 homes.

These will be built on the site of the former Cochrane Castle Primary School and on the grassed area next to this, off Highcraig Avenue.

There will be a mix of different homes including cottage flats with direct access and garden areas, bungalows and houses, many being wheelchair accessible.

There will be different sized homes, from one-bedroom up to five-bedrooms.

All these homes will be warm and welcoming, with air source heat pumps for their heating and they will meet the highest standards in energy efficiency and insulation.

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

McTaggart Construction are developing the plans and holding two public consultation events before submitting a planning application for approval.

Find out more about the first public consultation event on Wednesday 22 May.

Phase two new council houses

The second phase of Council houses will be built on the cleared site of existing homes between Craigbog and Highcraig Avenues.

Housing demolition

We will be carrying out demolition of 178 properties on a phased basis subject to having full ownership of all homes approved for demolition.

Phase one housing demolition

The first phase of demolition is scheduled to start at the end of 2025 at:

• 1-23 Highcraig Avenue
• 92-122 Dundonald Avenue
• 211-289 Greenend Avenue

The second phase of demolition will be in 2029 at:

• 1-47 Craigenfeoch Avenue
• 52-90 Dundonald Avenue
• 34-64 and 121-199 Greenend Avenue
• 2-24 and 41-47 Highcraig Avenue

Those affected by demolition have the right to be considered for the new build houses.

Relocation is being done on a phased basis with our housing team contacting people affected in each phase at the appropriate time.

More information for council tenants, residents and private owners

There are different options for Council tenants, residents and private owners of homes approved for demolition in the Howwood Road area.

Empty homes 

Empty homes approved for demolition will be secured and we have a dedicated team in place to maintain the common areas. 

Homes being retained which become vacant will be re-let following the normal council repair and letting process.

Timeline and next steps

What's happening now

• We are also working to bring privately owned properties earmarked for demolition into Council ownership.
• McTaggart Construction are taking forward the design and build plans for 70 new homes
• We're in the initial stages of developing a neighbourhood place plan for the area, working with the people living in the Howwood Road area

What's happening next

• We will be contacting tenants and residents in blocks proposed for demolition to help them with the Housing Options process to ensure we are aware of residents needs and requirements for rehousing. 

The regeneration of the Howwood Road area is a long-term project and is subject to change.  

This is the estimated timeline for the programme of works:

Late 2024 / Early 2025

Subject to planning consent, construction works will start on 70 newbuild 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 be handed over in phases, taking around two years to complete.

2025

Outside improvement works start to make homes more energy efficient. This will begin with fully owned Council blocks.
The first phase of demolition is anticipated to start at the end of 2025.

2027

Consultation will take place for the second newbuild development.

2028

The second phase of new build Council houses starts on the site of the demolished homes and is expected to take around two years to complete.

2029

The second phase of demolition starts.

2031

All works are expected to be complete.

Contact us

For more information or to discuss any aspect of the Howwood Road area regeneration programme:

• Email us at regeneration.hps@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• Call Housing Regeneration Officer Michelle Lockard on 07881 842 905 or Development Officer Neil McGavin on 07484 062886.

People living in the Howwood Road area can request to join the private Facebook Group for the area.