Now named Harriett Gardens following community consultation, the new service name reflects both the local heritage and the emphasis on attractive landscaping that is central to the development’s design.

And The Salvation Army have been appointed as the support provider for the project, which is delivered in partnership by South Lanarkshire Council and Social Bite.

Salvation Army have a long and successful track record in delivering homelessness and quality housing support services, including within South Lanarkshire.

They will manage the day-to-day running of Harriet Gardens and deliver specialist, round-the-clock support. As one of the UK’s leading providers of homelessness services, they will offer practical care to help residents stabilise their lives, develop skills, access employment, and transition successfully to independent housing.

Chair and Depute Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillors Davie McLachlan and Margaret Cowie, Social Bite Charity founder, Josh Littlejohn MBE, visited the Rutherglen site with Karen Good from The Salvation Army.

The £3m project, which was unanimously approved by councillors last year, will be built on the former Westfield Saw Mills site and feature 15 modular Nest Houses, manufactured by Scottish firm Ecosystems Technologies. At the heart of the village will be a community hub, offering shared spaces for cooking, group activities, therapeutic support, and social connection. The development is due to open in late 2025.

Councillor McLachlan said: “South Lanarkshire has a strong track record in delivering high-quality housing and homelessness services. We welcome the investment and expertise of Social Bite and its partners, alongside a long-term partner in Salvation Army, as we continue to expand and enhance our services to meet the diverse needs of homeless households.”

Josh Littlejohn said: “The Harriet Gardens project, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army, will serve as a vital resource to help residents on their journey from homelessness to independent living and break the cycle of homelessness for good.”

Helen Murdoch, Assistant Director of Strategic Operations and Development (Scotland), with The Salvation Army said: “At The Salvation Army we understand supporting people to move from rough sleeping to independent living requires a holistic approach. This means working alongside individuals to build practical life skills such as budgeting, managing a home and looking after themselves, while nurturing relationships and support networks.”

More information on Harriet Gardens is available from Social Bite's website.