Choice Housing have kicked off the New Year with celebrating an impressive renovation of an Edwardian style housing development in Newtownabbey. Whitehouse Court contained three buildings that collectively provided six shared flats, one self-contained flat and a laundry facility. The two original Edwardian buildings were constructed in the early 1900’s and were extensively refurbished during the 1980’s.
The investment in the general needs scheme has led to a complete reconfiguration of the buildings, providing twelve new apartments with self-contained accommodation. The Choice team joined residents to mark the new and improved scheme and heard first-hand what difference these new facilities will make to residents lives.
Phase one of the Development completed in 2015 and comprised 24 apartments, with phase 2 now complete Choice have provided a local housing offering of 36 apartments for those in need. Phase 2 focused on the remodelling of existing shared accommodation into self-contained housing, providing residents with secure independent living.
Spearheaded by Magherafelt contractor, Andrew Bradley Construction, and under the watchful eye of Choice building surveyor, Chris Graham, work began on the scheme in November 2017. The original building was built with distinctive red brick, which Choice were keen to preserve, maintaining the character of the building, while modernising the interior.
Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice said:
“We are pleased to see the unveiling of this impressive refurbishment project which has involved a considerable amount of hard work and dedication, not just from the team at Choice but from all our external partners and our residents.
“It was very important to ensure that although we modernised the development that the charm of the old building remained. Our partners, Andrew Bradley Construction and Moore McDonald & Partners clearly shared this vision, creating some creative and innovative modifications that maintained the buildings history.
A range of mechanical and electrical engineering works were completed including all electrics and plumbing within the buildings and the fitting of new internal and external lighting, heating and fire alarm systems.
Michael McDonnell continued:
“This upgrade project was aimed at continuing to provide quality housing to people in Newtownabbey and the surrounding area. We are committed to providing long term solutions to housing across the region and this project is testament to that”.
