Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations, today marked the start of a new £2.6m social housing scheme in Monkstown.
Expected to be completed by the autumn next year, the Devenish Drive scheme will provide 20 much-needed new homes comprising a mix of apartments, houses and bungalows – each incorporating the very latest in energy saving, design and security features.
Almost half of the homes are designed to meet challenges that face older people or those with complex needs. The scheme was made possible by thetransfer of land from the Housing Executive, funding of £1.47 million from the Department for Communities and an investment of £1.13 million being provided by Choice Housing.
Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing said:
“We’ve wasted no time in getting this site construction-ready and the start of these new homes is good news for people in Monkstown and those on the housing waiting list. We look forward to officially opening the Devenish Drive scheme next year andwelcoming families and individuals who can contribute to the wider economy and fabric of the local community.
“The support from the Department for Communities and Housing Executive have been invaluable and have helped get this scheme moving. We know there is acute demand for new homes and our extensive new-build programme has made good progress this year. We’re working hard to get more schemes underway and identifying new sites that can support more great homes.”
Elma Newberry, Assistant Director of Land & Regenerations Services, from the Housing Executive said:
“We are pleased that the construction of the Devenish Drive housing scheme has begun in Monkstown. This has particular significance to the Housing Executive as this was part of our first pilot ‘Place Shaping Regeneration Plan’, done in collaboration with Antrim Newtownabbey Council, through the Community Planning process.
“We worked closely with Monkstown Community Association at every stage of the Plan to ensure residents were given the opportunity to express their future ambitions and vision for the area. The development of these new homes is the first step in making this vision a reality and we are proud to be part of this.”
Deborah Brown, Director of Housing at the Department for Communities said:
“I am delighted to join with Choice again in marking the start of construction of another new housing scheme here in Newtownabbey. Once again the design of this social housing scheme demonstrates that social housing is not only about building new homes, it is also about ensuring that differing housing needs are addressed and supporting local communities.”
The Devenish Drive housing scheme was designed by Rolston Architects and construction work is being carried out by contractor Brendan Loughran & Sons Ltd.
