Choice Housing has marked the opening of phase one of a much-anticipated social housing scheme in Ballymena.
The £8.5million Larne Road development is funded by an investment of £4.4million from the Department for Communities, with a further £4.1million provided by Choice Housing Association through private finance.
The scheme, designed by Knox & Clayton Architects, is built on the former site of St Mary’s Primary School and will provide 74 much needed new homes that will accommodate 238 people and incorporate the very latest energy saving, design and security features.
The development is a mix of two and three bedroom homes and two bedroom apartments including one ground floor wheelchair accessible apartment. Phase 1 includes the first 12 units of the development, which will be available from late April with Phase two and three following shortly providing a further 62 units.
Choice Housing have a dedicated allocation’s team who work with the NI Housing Executive, targeting vacancies to those applicants registered on the waiting list. Phase one of the Larne Road Development has already been allocated and new residents are expected to be into their new homes by the end of April. It is anticipated that phase 2 and 3 will be allocated in summer 2018. A number of apartments at the popular scheme are available for people aged 55 or over.
Paul Frew MLA for North Antrim stated:
“This is an exciting time for Ballymena and Harryville in particular with much needed brand new, state of the art, modern housing. This development will bring much relief to many of my constituents who have been on the waiting list for a long time.”
Cllr Reuben Glover who represents the Ballymena Area said:
“This is brilliant news for the people of Ballymena who have been crying out for new homes for so long now. People have been talking about the derelict site before the construction and the vibrancy that this will bring to the community.”
Michael McDonnell, group chief executive of Choice Housing added:
“This important project will bring 74 high quality new homes for families of varying sizes in Ballymena. It is good news, particularly for those who are on the waiting list, and will help bring a new vibrancy to the Larne Road area. We have been pleased to see the support for the development in the local area, one that is in need of housing that is flexible and accommodating to a wide range of families and their unique circumstances.”
