At 353 – 367 Glasgow Road in front of a contemporary bus stop are 8 modern flats, located in two identical blocks of same shape and size. A small lane, inaccessible to vehicles separates them in the middle, linking Glasgow Road pavements to Poplar Place behind.
The site they occupy was once greenfield, never previously built upon until their construction.
Brick built by private developers Loretta Housing, prior to the Millennium, the flats have secure entrances and have been modeled on the adjacent older properties Dunedin and Orwell (now Larchmont). They feature the same high pitched roofs with matching timber ornate details at the upper reaches of each ridge. You had to apply via Church of Scotland or RC Church to be offered a home there initially.
Whilst pleasing in design, they somewhat lack the charm of the older stone villas adjacent, but are still kept tidy, well maintained and offer excellent family accommodation.
From the book, “Blantyre Glasgow Road South – The Real Story” by Paul Veverka (c) 2017
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said,
James Sime Was it not a housing association or something? Lorretto? They were built when I was in Primary 7 in 1991/92. Me and my pals use to press all the buzzers and run away.
Collette Maguire Gardiner Michael Maguire
Sharon Morrison Doonin They were built but Loretta housing and it was via a church initiative. You had to apply via Church of Scotland or RC Church I’m sure to actually get offered a home there.
Blantyre Project Thanks Sharon. Thats an important snippet. I will definitely add that into the book draft.
Sharon Morrison Doonin my dad knew lots about it as my uncle was actually trying to get a home there. Will ask my brother if he remembers more.
Marianne Stark Aitken Tom McQuade your sister Anne Marie was one of the first tennants back in early 90’s remember xxx
Marianne Stark Aitken It was supported housing for some tenant’s they were integrated into the community with ‘mainstream’ tenants if my memory serves me right.
Sharon Morrison Doonin That would make sense as my uncle had additional support needs
Marianne Stark Aitken Yeh Sharon they had a day room and care taker/ carer on call 24 hrs too.
Marian Maguire Yes Loretta housing, was mostly elderly, I was a home carer there for a short period.
Kerry Hutcheson Got the keys to No 63 in July 1990 as a first tenant. Built by Loretto Housing, application was via letter to the council and had to go through an interview. Great wee flat, many of which were allocated to people previously in Hartwood.
Blantyre Project excellent Kerry! Thanks. Thats an important snippet too.
Tom McQuade She was that Marianne
Elaine Petriat Karen McQuade Billy Miller, Ann Marie McQuade all first tenants. A significant number of the flats were alllocated to ex psychiatric patients. It was around the time of the “care in the community” initiative, getting long term psychiatric patients back into the community. To that end, there was originally a day room and caretaker on call 24 hrs (as Marianne said). Half the flats went to ex psychiatric patients and half to people on the council house waiting list. My sister and two friends mentioned above were some of the lucky new tenants!!
Thanks you! Excellent. I will add this to the notes.
Built by Loretta Homes, to accommodate special needs persons. Further buildings at the rear It has been an excellent idea, the whole complex includes a full time matron.