History and Operating Environment

We were established in 1998 as a result of a stock transfer from Scottish Homes. We continue to demonstrate strong performance as a Community Anchor Organisation providing, high-quality, affordable housing, and services to our tenants and customers in Erskine and beyond.

  • We Manage over 860 units, including houses, flats, 500 garages, and a large portfolio of green spaces.
  • Background:
    • Developed from Scottish Homes divestment in the 1980s.
    • Tenants voted for transfer in 1997.
    • Acquired LSVT and SSHA properties, and sold several properties under Right to Buy.
    • Built new Extra Care and amenity housing.
    • We manage an extensive portfolio of factoring assets like green spaces and footpaths.

    We are one of 5 locally based Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Renfrewshire, and the smallest of these is Ferguslie Park Housing Association which owns only a few less units than Bridgewater. The other 3 RSLs are Linstone, Paisley, and Williamsburgh Housing Associations. Other national Associations have stock in Renfrewshire, usually of a more specialist nature. Bridgewater is well respected and connected in the housing sector, through our membership and work with FLAIR, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum. This helps us to keep up to date with developments in the sector and enables us to ensure that our voice is heard. Our geographic focus enables us to be part of the conversation in Erskine and Renfrewshire more widely, working closely with our tenants and residents, the wider community, stakeholders, and local businesses. The key features of this geography are:

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    Geography

    Renfrewshire is situated in the West of Scotland, and shares borders with five local authorities: the City of Glasgow; East Renfrewshire; Inverclyde; North Ayrshire; and West Dunbartonshire. The area incorporates attractions such as Braehead Shopping Centre on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow International Airport, the historical Paisley Abbey, and the University of the West of Scotland.

    History

    Renfrewshire has a strong manufacturing heritage with a large concentration of industries like transport and storage, health, and social work. In recent years there has been growth to a more varied sector and economy involving the service sector, financial industry, leisure, and tourism. Originally a small village settlement, Erskine has expanded since the 1970s as a new town to be the commuter town it is today serving the wider Greater Glasgow conurbation.

    Demographics

    The number of people living in Erskine has increased by circa 15% in the last 30 years. The population of Renfrewshire has increased by 2.3% during the same period and is expected to increase by a further 2.5% to around 182,250 by 2028. Economics Renfrewshire has the fourth highest level of child poverty in Scotland, after housing costs. It is estimated that around 1 in 5 (18%) children and young people in Renfrewshire are living in poverty. However, Erskine is in the 2nd lowest ward within Renfrewshire affected by child poverty sitting slightly above the Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, and Langbank ward. However, this is not to say that poverty does not exist within our customer base.

    Deprivation

    In 2019, the Renfrewshire Council area was rated as the 9th most deprived in Scotland by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, with Erskine being at the mid-quintile of the most deprived communities in Scotland. The term ‘deprivation’ refers not only to low income but may also include fewer resources and opportunities, for example in health and education.