In January Provost of East Ayrshire Jim Todd performed the official closing ceremony to the 20 year regeneration of Longpark in Kilmarnock.
Cunninghame Housing Association first became involved in Longpark in 1999 following a transfer of undertakings from the then Longpark Ownership Co-operative, Kilmarnock.
Post transfer, the Association added to its new build portfolio with 51 properties constructed at Longpark Phase 5 followed by an additional 54 new build homes at Longpark Phase 6.
This significant investment changed the perception of the area and the demand for the new properties supported the view that people wished to move into Longpark and considered it a desirable place to live.
One remaining blight remained within the estate, a pocket of housing at Northcraig Road (Phase 1) which remained undesirable and difficult to let.
It was agreed after discussion with our strategic partners, East Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, that the preferred solution for this core of unpopular stock within the heart of
the estate was to demolish the properties.
The decision to clear these houses in 2009 proved the correct course of action.
However, the clearance created a gap site within the heart of Longpark and it was acknowledged that consideration should be given to redevelop the site for new build housing at the appropriate time.
Post transfer, the Association added to its new build portfolio with 51 properties constructed at Longpark Phase 5 followed by an additional 54 new build homes at Longpark Phase 6.
This significant investment changed the perception of the area and the demand for the new properties supported the view that people wished to move into Longpark and considered it a desirable place to live.
One remaining blight remained within the estate, a pocket of housing at Northcraig Road (Phase 1) which remained undesirable and difficult to let.
It was agreed after discussion with our strategic partners, East Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, that the preferred solution for this core of unpopular stock within the heart of
the estate was to demolish the properties.
The decision to clear these houses in 2009 proved the correct course of action.
However, the clearance created a gap site within the heart of Longpark and it was acknowledged that consideration should be given to redevelop the site for new build housing at the appropriate time.
Provost Jim Todd of East Ayrshire commented: “I really enjoyed visiting Bute Street where Cunninghame Housing have just built some beautiful houses.
“The residents I met are clearly delighted with their new homes and with the surrounding green spaces which make the whole area a lovely place to live.
“My family are from the old Bute Street so I have very fond memories of the area.
“It’s great to see an old street in Kilmarnock getting a new lease of life with such well-designed, eco-friendly and energy efficient housing.
“Well done to Cunninghame Housing for all the thought and care they have put into planning and building the estate.
“I wish the new residents all the best for comfortable, happy lives.”
The Longpark and Gladstone Tenants and Residents Association have been working to help further improve their local community for over 25 years.
The current committee is very active consisting of local tenants who give up their own time to resolve local issues and support local people.
They are fully supported by Cunninghame Housing Association Ltd
They also have built up excellent working relationships with other partner organisations such as the Community Police, Vibrant Communities, East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Tenants Federation.
Each year they hold eight committee meetings, two public meetings and an AGM.
They also attend numerous other events, consultations and conferences.
The group meets four weekly on a Tuesday night at 6.30pm in the Northwest Centre, Western Road, Kilmarnock.
They are always looking for additional committee members or volunteers to assist at community events.
Over the years the group have resolved and improved numerous issues that have been raised by the residents of Longpark.
Ongoing is the battle to reduce the blight of dog fouling and fly tipping, working in close partnership with East Ayrshire Councils Environmental Health Enforcement team.
Most recently the group have been working to improve the bin collection service and to improve the poor condition of local pavements, kerbs, potholes and the level crossing point at the North West Centre on Western Road.
To help reduces social isolation, promote cross community interaction and to raise funds for local good causes, the group have held numerous community events.
These have included successful Psychic nights and Community Bingo nights held in and supported by Blacks Bar, Dean Lane, Kilmarnock.
From these activities the group were able to donate £200 to the Neo Natal Clinic at Crosshouse Hospital while still having funds to hold additional socially inclusive events.
Frank Sweeney said: “Over the years the Longpark and Gladstone Tenants and Residents Association have committed a lot of their own time to improving the Longpark estate.
“Without their involvement in the community Longpark would not be what it is today – A Great Place to Live.”
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact: Cunninghame Housing Associations Community Participation and Engagement Officer on 01294 606012 for further information.