Choice Housing today officially started construction work on one of the largest social housing schemes to commence in Northern Ireland this year.
Due for completion in 2018, the £13million development on Bangor’s Old Belfast Road will provide 106 much needed new homes that will accommodate more than 300 people and incorporate the very latest in energy saving, design and security features.
The scheme, designed by architects RMI with EHA Group appointed as project contractor, is funded through a mix of private financing secured by Choice Housing and grants from the Department for Communities.
Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA attended the construction site and said:
“It is a great pleasure to be in North Down to see the work underway to deliver vital social housing in this area. With Bangor being a popular residential area, the development of 106 family homes will go some way to addressing waiting lists. In a number of months this site at Old Belfast Road will be home to many families, a community, who will contribute to the wider economic and social development of Bangor.”
In June, the European Investment Bank confirmed details of a £150million loan in support of Choice Housing’s plans to deliver 2,700 new homes over the next five years.
Michael McDonnell, Chief Executive of Choice Housing said:
“This is an important development for us and for the people of Bangor, particularly those on the housing waiting list. We have worked closely with the local communities in the design and build of this scheme to ensure it meets high standards of efficiency and quality but also to ensure that it can reflect the type of future we all want to see.
“Housing can be a powerful catalyst for positive transformation and this scheme is about supporting thriving and sustainable communities. We have every confidence that this unique development will demonstrate the standards we are setting ourselves and others, and the high quality modern homes that customers should expect.”
Choice manages more than 10,000 homes in Northern Ireland and was the most active developer of new properties in the region last year with work starting on more than 520 new homes.
