Why we love living the high life
GHA tenants have spoken about how much they love life in a high-rise block.
The smart new look of GHA tower blocks inside and out, the sense of feeling safe and the chance to do more things with neighbours is a winning combination for many tenants.
And that’s not forgetting the spectacular views across the city.
GHA has 67 high-rise blocks – more than 12 storeys high – across Glasgow. Around a fifth of GHA tenants – almost 8,000 – live in one.
GHA has spent more than £170million improving homes in high-rise blocks – with new kitchens, bathrooms and boilers, as well as external insulation and upgraded foyers, and new roofs and lifts for some.
Tenant Doreen McCrindle lives on the 18th floor in the 22-storey Sandyhills flats.
Doreen, 75, a retired carer for disabled people, said: “High-rises sometimes have a bad name, but I’ve lived here for 11 years and I love it.
“The concierges are fantastic – a great bunch of guys who can’t do enough for you.
“Living elsewhere, you don’t have this kind of support.
“The area around the blocks is so well cared after too. There’s never any rubbish or litter around.
“The view from the 18th floor is spectacular.
“Who else can see Hampden, Ibrox and Celtic Park from their living room?
“Everyone who visits me is gobsmacked by the view.
“I just love my flat.”
Tenant Pat Downie has lived on the 14th floor of Drygate, for around 20 years.
Pat, 74, a retired caterer, said: “We have a really good concierge service here.
“If you’re coming back late at night the concierges look out for you until you’re home safely. It makes you feel safe.
“There’s a real mix of people here and we’re always trying to bring people together. People want to get involved.
“The location in the city centre is a big attraction – and I have a great view from my window too.”
Jennifer Russell, GHA’s Managing Director, added: “We’ve spent a lot of money making our high-rise blocks places people are proud to live in.
“Concierges always look out for tenants and offer tenants a real sense of security.
“There are also good opportunities to meet their neighbours and do more together.
“That – along with the great views across Glasgow – means they are places many tenants are proud to call home.”
GHA’s High Rise Living Forum had its first meeting recently and tenants looked at things like more facilities such as laundry, dealing with anti-social behaviour, parking, keeping pets and other things.
The forum, which will meet regularly, is a good chance to make sure GHA understands what tenants need and want.
To get involved, talk to your housing officer or the concierge in your block.
Monday, November 26, 2018