Oak Tree HA is Making Changes in Maple Road

At our Board meeting on 17 February 2020, Oak Tree Housing Association took the decision to empty and demolish some of our flats in Maple Road, Greenock.

“We have been investigating issues of low demand in Maple Road for some time now and have held several meetings with residents living in the flats,” said Nick Jardine, Chief Executive. “We have also communicated with private owners about the likely lifespan of the properties and the activities we have considered to increase the popularity of this stock.

“Many alternative solutions have been considered, including discussions with other agencies to release some empty properties for specialist projects. Although there was some interest initially, this potential route proved unsuccessful.

“Having exhausted alternative solutions and recognising it is now unlikely that demand for the Maple Road flats will improve in the future, our Board have agreed that a number will no longer be available for rent.”

Oak Tree Housing Association acquired the Maple Road flats from the then Scottish Homes in 1997. Despite significant investment over the years, demand for the properties has risen and fallen but, overall, has continued to decline.

The majority of our recent investment has been contained to six closes, which we will continue to manage and maintain. Each close contains six flats with a mixture of one, two and three bedroom accommodation. Empty properties in the remaining 12 closes are no longer available for let. We are in the process of discussing rehousing requirements with the remaining 36 tenants in these closes and will support all the tenants, including any who wish relocated in the same area).

As each block of flats becomes vacant, the intention is to demolish the properties, a process likely to take two to three years to complete.