Business

New homes planned as part of former Ballymena barracks regeneration

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RADIUS Housing is set to start a consultation process to build an extensive social and affordable housing development at the former St. Patrick's Barracks site in Ballymena.

It is proposing 140 new homes on the site, along with associated roads infrastructure, landscaping, children's play park and other ancillary works.

The housing-led regeneration of the former military site is being taken forward by the Department for Communities, with Radius leading with the housing element, which forms a key part of the wider St Patrick’s Barracks masterplan.

The housing phase of the regeneration marks an investment of around £20 million, half of which is funded by the Department for Communities and the remainder through private finance raised by Radius.

Anita Conway, director of development at Radius Housing, said “We are delighted to be involved in this strategic project which we believe will positively benefit the Ballymena community and beyond.

“We're pleased that recently introduced regulations will allow major planning applications to be progressed and determined during the Covid-19 pandemic and are embracing a new online digital consultation process for our exciting rejuvenation proposals.”

Communities Minister Carál Ni Chulín added: “This regeneration is aimed at creating a place which is truly people-orientated and can generate economic and social benefits for the wider area.

“By creating homes where people are able to thrive we will breathe new life into the area for the benefit of everyone.”

The on-line consultation will be launched in the coming weeks via a dedicated website, and following the completion of the consultation process Radius hope to submit a full planning application in late summer.

Radius Housing manages more than 13,000 homes in Northern Ireland and aims to construct more than 400 new social and affordable homes every year.

It recently secured a private finance investment of £105 million, which will support its plans to deliver new homes and communities across Northern Ireland.