PLANS for the largest housebuilding project in Northern Ireland for a decade have been unveiled.
Fraser Houses (NI) is to build 1,000 new houses at a site in Newtownards in a £200 million scheme.
The company said the 'New England' style properties would feature a mix of bungalows, semi-detached and detached homes.
The107-acre Rivenwood site is bounded by the Movilla Road and Donaghadee Road and will feature houses starting at £135,000.
Alan Fraser of Fraser Houses said the project was beginning at a time when, "demand for property in Northern Ireland is increasing and confidence in the market is on the rise".
"Rivenwood will not only bring a range of unique and stylish homes to a desirable location in north Down, it will create an estimated 500 jobs and support a wide range of local industry related companies," he said.
“The houses are designed to appeal to all demographics, whether first time buyers, families, retired couples – there’s a range of homes to suit all tastes and requirements. The New England style has a fresh new look and adds a touch of class to these homes which are in an ideal location only minutes from Newtownards town centre, yet on the edge of open countryside.”
Estate agent Simon Brien, of Simon Brien Residential added: "The 'New England’ style of architecture at Rivenwood brings a completely new concept to Northern Ireland housing and together with the varied range of house types, will ultimately create a really attractive environment for families seeking to buy a new home in the area. The experience and reputation that Fraser Houses has established across Northern Ireland in delivering high quality family homes, also adds further integrity to the overall scheme.
Construction is expected to being in early summer with the first sales release in May while the first homes should be ready by December.
