Housing makeover for former Mersey Street School

Mersey Street Primary School is to be transformed into modern, family homes thanks to a new housing initiative from Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.

A £5million development by Connswater Homes will see the former primary school in East Belfast transformed into 30 modern apartments for social housing.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This is excellent news for the people of East Belfast. This is an area of high housing need and this exciting, innovative development will deliver a housing solution that will give this part of Belfast’s built heritage a new lease of life.

“I congratulate Connswater Homes and the Housing Executive for recognising the potential to do something different here that still provides the very highest standards of accommodation. They have ensured me that the façade of the building will retain its unique and historical character, much loved by the community.”

The three and two bedroom apartments are designed with advice from the PSNI Crime Prevention Design Advisor, to ensure that residents feel safe and secure. All apartments will be built to Eco Homes specification with high levels of energy efficiency.

The Minister added: “Through innovation and efficiency, we are now delivering the largest numbers of social houses for more than a decade. These new apartments represent a start to the 2,000 new homes planned for this year and residents can look forward to moving in next summer.”

Notes to editors:

1. Connswater Homes is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development thereby gaining access to Housing Association Grant for social housing purposes. The association has a stock of almost 500 family houses for rent, mostly in the East Belfast area.
2. This 30 unit scheme will cost £4.9million, including acquisition, construction and associated on costs. The Department, through the Housing Executive, will fund £4.4million through Housing Association Grant, with Connswater Homes contributing £0.5million through private financing.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497 or Ciara McGuigan on 07792150486. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.