Glasgow City Council gives away properties for free to become social housing

Glasgow City Council has approved the handover of a four properties in Glasgow for free in order to make way for new homes.

The compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) of three flats in Ibrox and a derelict building in Laurieston was agreed at a committee meeting on Thursday.

CPOs allow public bodies to force homeowners to sell their property if it obstructs a regeneration project or it’s for the “greater public good”.

The compulsory purchase of 1/3 and 3/2, 27 Harley Street, and 1/2, 25 Harley Street, will enable the council to transfer their ownership to Elderpark Housing Association.

The flats will then be added to Glasgow’s social housing stock.

The Bridge Street building will be given to New Gorbals Housing Association, which is considering development options for the site.

Glasgow City Council was previously forced to lock up the Govan address after an investigation revealed “alarming conditions” inside.

When the tenants were rehoused from the unfit homes, the council acquired the building after making sure it was secure.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for neighbourhood services and assets at Glasgow City Council, said: “Today’s decisions show our determination to use the powers at our disposal to bring new homes to the city, and we look forward to working with these housing associations to help deliver them.

“We have already used compulsory purchase orders in other parts of the city to bring such homes back into productive use, and we will continue to do so where appropriate.

“We have already used compulsory purchase orders in other parts of the city to bring such homes back into productive use, and we will continue to do so where appropriate.”