The new play equipment for Shawhead Family Learning Centre is just one example of how communities benefit from the contracts prepared for the delivery of our new build council homes.

The new council homes at Berwick Street, Coatbridge, which are being delivered by Cruden Building, have brought benefits aimed at supporting communities and local people. These include providing new employment opportunities - two of which were new local apprentice joiners and work experience placements for a further two people were also completed.

Another aspect of the delivery of community benefits involves our team working with local community groups. It was during this engagement that Shawhead Family Learning Centre asked for assistance. The local group was looking for a range of items to support young people and their learning and requested mud kitchens, planters and the repair of play equipment.

A team effort, involving Cruden purchasing items for donation and our Restorative Justice Team stepping in to build the items, saw mud kitchens, planters and a play car made for the children.

“Everyone at Shawhead Family Learning Centre would like to thank those involved for their support with the development of our outdoor play and learning spaces,” said Clare Hay, Head of Centre. “These resources have enabled us to create a wonderful imaginative play zone in our outdoor area with the addition of mud kitchens and role play car. It was a wonderful surprise for our children who were so excited to explore their new outdoor resources.

“Since these resources were added to our outdoor space we have observed an increase in children engaging in imaginative and co-operative play outdoors with a wealth of opportunities to develop their communication, literacy and numeracy skills through play.”

James Stevenson, Housing Development Manager, said: “Our ambitious new council house plans, to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035, are not only providing new homes but delivering benefits that are changing lives and communities. We’ll continue to put local people at the heart of our plans to make North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”

Michael Palethorpe, Production and Community Benefit Manager at Cruden, added: “We are committed to giving back to the communities where we build as we continue to expand our portfolio of housing projects across Scotland. Alongside delivering high quality homes in Coatbridge, we’re proud to also support the creation of new jobs and skills opportunities in the local area and enhance the lives of the families living there.

“Shawhead Family Centre provides fantastic day care services for children in the Coatbridge community. We’re delighted to provide them with the interactive facilities needed to give these children a fun and engaging experience. We hope they enjoy using their new play equipment for years to come.”