Ritchie announces £25million housing investment for West Belfast

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced major funding of over £25million for the redevelopment of the former Bass Brewery site in West Belfast.

The Glen Road site will be transformed to create 166 new homes in a flagship mixed use regeneration scheme by Clanmil Housing. The development will include family housing and apartments, alongside office and retail accommodation, with car parking and extensive landscaping.

Minister Ritchie said: “I welcome this major investment for West Belfast. New housing here will make major inroads into waiting lists and stimulate the drive forward to physical and environmental regeneration that has been so long desired in this part of the city.”

The housing will be built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, making them 25% more efficient than before. In addition, all will have Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes accreditation, giving added security and flexibility of adaptation for residents.

The Minister continued: “Last month, I announced the potential to create a new neighbourhood in West Belfast, based around the Glen Road. This new mixed use development, which includes office and retail accommodation and employment opportunities, is exactly what is needed to help make this new neighbourhood a reality.

“As Minister, also with responsibility for regeneration, I certainly welcome the stimulus that this new housing will provide to the immediate area.

“I now look forward to seeing work on the former Bass Brewery site get underway. This year and next, the New Housing Agenda will deliver the highest number of new build social houses for over a decade. These 166 high quality houses and apartments will make a tremendous contribution towards that total.”

Clare McCarty, Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing said: “Clanmil provides high quality, affordable homes for rent in areas of high housing need, and we are delighted to announce the development of this major family housing scheme which will help meet the high level of housing need in the West Belfast area.

"I would like to thank local political and community representatives for their ongoing support in delivering this scheme homes. Not only will this development deliver 166 much needed social homes, but it will also provide an important boost for the local construction industry during a difficult time.”

Notes to editors:

1. Clanmil Housing Association is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, giving access to grant funding. Clanmil manages some 2,100 homes throughout Northern Ireland including family homes, homes for single people, sheltered housing schemes for the elderly, housing with care for frail elderly and supported housing for older people with dementia.
2. This 166 unit scheme will cost some £25.2million, including acquisition, construction and associated on costs. The Department will fund £17.7million through Housing Association Grant, with the balance of £7.5million contributed by Clanmil through private financing.
3. Construction will get underway March 2010 with completion in September 2012.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.