SOCIAL housing provider Choice now is on site actively developing 1,000 new units as part of a £150 million plan to expand its portfolio by the end of 2025.
One of the north’s largest housing associations, Choice currently manage around 12,000 supported, sheltered and general needs housing units.
That number is set to grow through a number of schemes that include 80 units at the former Kings Hall site, the redevelopment of the former Park Avenue Hotel in east Belfast and a major mixed development close to the Crescent Link Retail Park on Derry’s Waterside.
Work is also continuing on projects at Kilwee, Belvedere and Hannahstown in west Belfast. Other key projects include 49 new homes in Dungannon, 146 social houses in Carrickfergus, 39 social units in Coleraine and 32 units across two sites in Antrim.
“Whilst we continue to invest significantly in both new and existing homes, significant progress has been made by Choice in securing projects in areas that have historically been dominated by private house builders,” said Choice group development director, Jon Anderson.
“The waiting list for social housing is significant and Choice is working hard, with partners and statutory agencies to address this as a matter of urgency. These schemes incorporate social housing with affordable/private rental accommodation, with the aim of fostering sustainable, cohesive and inclusive communities.
“The new build programme has had many challenges and we continue to face difficulties around increasing costs, in particular in relation to construction costs.
“It is testament to the hard work of our development team that we have been able to progress so many projects in spite of these challenges and whilst it is a positive step to mark 1,000 units on site – the real outcome will be when we deliver these homes to tenants who really need them."
