Our History

About Us

Supporting our communities since 1979

Williamsburgh Housing Association was established in 1979 in response to the poor housing conditions that existed in the east end of Paisley at the time.

Although the area was a popular place to live, much of its housing lacked modern amenities and many properties had fallen into disrepair. The Association was created to help improve these homes and support the regeneration of the wider area.

Since those early days, Williamsburgh has grown considerably. Our work has expanded from improving Paisley's tenements to providing new and improved homes in communities across Paisley, Renfrew, Johnstone and Kilbarchan.

Our Beginnings

Williamsburgh Housing Association was formally registered in July 1979.

Our first office opened at 48 McKerrell Street in January 1980, and in September 1981 our first rehabilitation contract was completed at 48 and 50 McKerrell Street and 7 Ladyburn Street.

This marked the beginning of a major programme of investment in existing housing.

By May 1982, 30 modernised flats had been provided in Lang Street. In 1984 the Association became established at Ralston House, and by April 1985 we were celebrating the completion of our 300th improved flat.

Improving Paisley's Tenements

Improving existing tenement housing was a major part of Williamsburgh's early work.

Our historical records describe a programme of comprehensive tenement improvement designed to bring properties lacking basic facilities up to modern standards while improving the wider environment around people's homes. 

Investment continued throughout Paisley. In 1992, the McKerrell Street Streetscape project was undertaken, improvements to Bank Street concluded in 1993, and in 1995 there were 120 improved flats in Seedhill Road. 

By October 1996, Williamsburgh reached another major milestone: 1,000 improved homes.

This work helped transform the housing available in the communities we served while protecting and improving existing neighbourhoods.

Growing and Building New Homes

As Williamsburgh developed, our work increasingly extended beyond the improvement of existing properties.

New-build housing became an important part of our development programme, allowing the Association to provide homes for people whose housing needs could not be met through the tenement improvement programme. 

Our first new-build scheme at Kilnhill Court was completed in July 1989.

Further developments followed across Renfrewshire, including:

  • 1999: Buchanan Street, Johnstone
  • 2002: Love Street Lodges
  • 2005: Moorpark, Renfrew
  • 2006: Rankine Street, Johnstone
  • 2007: Miller Street, Johnstone
  • 2008: Blackford Road regeneration commenced
  • 2009: New Sneddon Street completed.

New Sneddon Street

New Sneddon Street in Paisley represents an important part of Williamsburgh's development history.

The Association initially identified the potential of a derelict site at New Sneddon Street, leading to the construction of 30 new flats. WHA subsequently acquired an adjacent site to extend the development.

The second development provided a further 30 flats, comprising 20 general-needs homes, eight amenity homes and two wheelchair-accessible homes. The buildings were arranged in two blocks, one overlooking the White Cart River and another fronting New Sneddon Street.

This second phase was formally opened in August 2009, during the year Williamsburgh celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Supporting People and Communities

Williamsburgh's history is about much more than building and improving homes.

Over the years, services have developed to help meet the changing needs of our tenants and communities.

A Community Alarm Service was introduced in 1994, followed by a Welfare Rights Officer service in 1997. The Association also provided adaptations and amenities to support tenants whose needs changed, helping people remain in their own homes and communities.

Our historical community work included projects supporting training and employment opportunities, community facilities, activities for young people, environmental improvements and support for older and vulnerable residents. 

That commitment remains an important part of Williamsburgh today.

Investing for the Future

Our programme of investment and development has continued.

In 2025, Williamsburgh completed the Cartha Crescent development in Paisley, providing 33 affordable family homes.

The development was delivered in partnership with McTaggart Construction and Renfrewshire Council, with support from a £3.2 million Affordable Housing Supply Programme grant from the Scottish Government. 

It continued a story that began with improving Paisley's tenements in 1979: investing in good-quality affordable homes and the communities around them.

Our Story Continues

Williamsburgh has changed considerably since 1979, but providing good-quality affordable housing remains at the heart of what we do.

From our beginnings in Paisley's east end, our work has expanded to communities across Paisley, Renfrew, Johnstone and Kilbarchan.

Today, we continue to build on that history through investment in our homes, services and communities.

Our mission remains to provide and develop high-quality affordable homes, continually improve the services we deliver and support the regeneration of our communities.