New Housing Development Brings Economic and Social Benefits to Ballymena

Strategic Insights -

The Department for Communities and Radius Housing have officially opened a new housing development of 135 shared homes at the St Patrick's regeneration site in Ballymena. The shared housing scheme, which was delivered by Radius Housing alongside lead contractor MJ McBride, consists of 32 apartments, including some that are wheelchair accessible, and 103 houses, ten of which are for private rent/sale as private homes. This project is part of a wider regeneration of the former military site, bringing economic and social benefits to Ballymena and surrounding communities. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the development, stating that it is a significant step in addressing the housing need in the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new housing development in Ballymena consists of 135 shared homes, including 32 apartments and 103 houses, with 10 houses available for private rent/sale as private homes.
  • The project was funded by the Department for Communities and Radius Housing, and delivered by Radius Housing alongside lead contractor MJ McBride.
  • The regeneration of the St Patrick's site will provide not just housing but a community with social infrastructure, new facilities, and links to the nearby town centre.
  • The project includes a new children's play park, and 10 of the houses are wheelchair accessible.
  • Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the development, stating that it is a significant step in addressing the housing need in the community.
  • Anita Conway, director of development at Radius Housing Association, emphasized the importance of building communities as well as homes, and working with the local community to ensure a positive integration of the new development and tenants.
  • The Department for Communities and Radius Housing have launched the Housing Supply Strategy, which aims to deliver 100,000 homes over the next 15 years, a third of which will be social housing.

Statistics:

  • The St Patrick's regeneration site will provide a total of 135 new homes.
  • Of the 135 homes, 32 are apartments and 103 are houses, with 10 houses available for private rent/sale as private homes.
  • The project includes a new children's play park and 10 wheelchair-accessible houses.
  • The department aims to deliver 100,000 homes over the next 15 years, with a third of these being social housing.
  • The Housing Supply Strategy has been launched by the Department for Communities and Radius Housing to address the housing need in Ballymena and surrounding communities.

Sources:

  • "We recognise the legacy Bo has left behind: Antrim tyre firm commits to upholding community values after Ballymoney centre acquisition" by The News Letter (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/we-recognise-the-legacy-bo-has-left-behind-antrim-tyre-firm-commits-to-upholding-community-values-after-ballymoney-centre-acquisition-5300981)