CHOICE Housing has officially launched a £3.6 million upgrade of its 126 Strand Road housing scheme in Derry.
The ambitious redevelopment of the scheme, formerly known as Rock Mills, has included the remodelling of its existing 86 apartments to an increase of 94 new modern self-contained units, the three largest of which will each accommodate families of four.
Located adjacent to the junction of Strand Road and Rock Road, the scheme overlooks the River Foyle and comprises the listed former Gilliland Flour Mills, constructed in 1846.
Working in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Housing Executive, Choice developed a re-improvement strategy to transform the building.
The renovation, which started in November 2016, marks a new chapter for the scheme and for its residents, bringing the best standards and latest energy saving technologies into the historic building.
Michael McDonnell, group chief executive of Choice Housing said: “We believe in providing good quality housing to those who need it and actively involving tenants in our plans, and the renovation work at 126 Strand Road is a fine example of what we are trying to achieve. It was through consultation with our tenants that the decision was made to rename the scheme, helping to express the new character of the development.
“This project includes a significant reconfiguration of the building enabling a wider range of tenancies accommodated and a series of major improvements throughout the scheme.
“The completion of the scheme is great news for its tenants and for the city, particularly given the need for quality accessible social housing in the Derry~Londonderry area.”
The renovation project included an overhaul of all electrics and plumbing and the fitting of new kitchens and bathrooms throughout, as well as a number of other upgrades.
Paul Price from the Department for Communities said: “The refurbishment of this development was essential to ensuring its long term future as a social housing provision for the area.
“The scheme has made a significant contribution to the social housing development programme, with £570,000 of the project’s capital funding comprising DfC Housing Association Grant.”
AMSON Consortium, a joint venture between local construction firm AMS Ltd and Omagh-based O’Neill Electrics Ltd., undertook the refurbishment.
