Glasgow City Council moves ahead with £674m plan to build 6,500 affordable homes amid housing crisis

Glasgow City Council is moving ahead with plans to build thousands of affordable homes across the city at a cost of £674m.

According to council bosses, the “ambitious programme” will deliver 6,500 new homes, with another 12,000 to be delivered should funds be made available.

It is part of the council’s strategic housing investment programme (SHIP) for 2027 to 2032, which addresses the city’s housing crisis.

In addition to new affordable homes, the council will assist social landlords in acquiring 430 social homes, helping to reduce homelessness and the number of people in temporary accommodation, and tackling child poverty.

Council bosses aim high with 6,500 affordable homes target

Ruairi Kelly, deputy leader and convener for housing, development and land use, said: “These are ambitious plans built on strong foundations. Glasgow has built far more affordable homes than comparator cities like Manchester or Birmingham over the last five years, and I am determined to raise the bar even further.

“Working in partnership with local housing associations, housebuilders and the wider housing sector we want to be clear to the government that Glasgow gets things built, and if they are able to increase our housing budget, we can build and acquire even more.

“This is the sort of investment that will not only provide these much-needed homes during a housing emergency but also boost the city’s economy through supporting construction jobs and the wider supply chain.”

Glasgow City Council is looking to expand the programme beyond the 6,500 initial homes proposed, with 59 city locations identified, potentially adding 12,173 more homes.

Unused commercial properties within the city centre could also be converted as part of plans, raising the centre’s population by 40,000 by 2035.

Council bosses have earmarked £674m of Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding over the five years for SHIP.

Of the homes built, 74% will be social rent, 24% will be mid-market and 2% will be private sector rent.