PEOPLE living in a Greenock high rise have been celebrating a £4 million redevelopment which will help to reduce their heating costs - after three years of headaches.

Prospecthill Court residents were invited to attend an open day to mark the near-completion of a project which involves replacing the building's exterior, and fitting new windows. 

Hosted by River Clyde Homes (RCH), contractors Kier, and Scape Scotland, the event saw residents gather to meet some of the people involved in making the transformation happen, and to showcase the work that's being done. 

Prospecthill Court was originally refurbished with cladding and new windows in 2018 as part of a £30m regeneration programme. 

But in 2021, housing bosses confirmed the exterior material would have to be stripped off after faults were found. 

Prospecthill Court residents say they're delighted with the work. (Image: George Munro) Cladding was also partially removed from Broomhill Court and Whinhill Court.

Despite these challenges, Prospecthill Court residents told the Telegraph that they're delighted with the work that has been carried out. 

Ellen McWilliams, 76, has lived in the high rise for 24 years. 

"I think it's absolutely marvellous," she said. 

"What they've done is perfect. You can't hear the wind and the rain at all. 

"I have huge respect for everyone who has been working on it. 

"I stayed in the building when the work was going on, I knew they had to do the work. 

"The windows are definitely the biggest change. 

"It's going to be so much easier to heat the place now, it's so much better."

Michelle Maxwell, 53, has lived in the high rise for seven years. 

She added: "I'm over the moon with it. The workers have been fantastic and always very considerate. 

"I'm delighted with the way it's been done. It's definitely been worth the wait."

The £4m redevelopment includes £1.6m from a Scottish Government grant, with the rest of the money from RCH's capital funding.

(Image: George Munro) All 91 flats in Prospecthill Court have been fitted with triple-glazed high performance windows on top of the insulation which is being provided by the new cladding.

RCH said residents will benefit from cutting-edge technology and materials which will reduce the building's carbon footprint and keep heat inside. 

A spokesperson for River Clyde Homes said the re-cladding project 'puts the customer and community at the centre of the design'. 

They added: "While fitting into the community, we are delivering a building which aims to reduce costs for the tenants by reducing the amount of heating they need to use in their home, which will in turn reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere.

"We have been really pleased to hear the huge amounts of great customer feedback on the standard of the works and on our appointed contractors throughout the delivery. 

"Events like this community event add to the benefits already being provided, such as roles for local apprentices and work for local contractors, by giving the community the opportunity to take part in activities. 

"They're also benefitting from the great work done by the volunteers from Kier and Scape Scotland who we thank for their efforts and hard work."

At the open day, families were invited down to see work being done on the outdoor space. 

When the Telegraph visited, a team from Kier were tidying up some of the garden. 

Arjan Shaan, Kier's commercial lead for the Scape framework, said: "The garden became a set down space for a lot of materials and the grass had become really worn and overgrown. 

"We put it back in the condition it was in and made it even better. 

"We've cut it all back, and added new grass and paths, and there are going to be planters and benches. 

"It's going to be a great place for people to congregate and socialise."

The team from Kier have also been visiting schools to speak to young people about careers in construction. 

Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Construction North and Scotland, said: "We are proud to be working with River Clyde Homes on the redevelopment of Prospecthill Court in Greenock.

"This open day event gave us a chance to give back to the local community by improving their communal gardens whilst also updating residents on the progress which has been made on their homes. 

"The project will revitalise the properties and help to tackle fuel poverty through improved thermal and airtight performance."