Ross Street Flats to be demolished - Attwood

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has announced that he has decided that Ross Street flats in the Lower Falls area of Belfast should be demolished.

In recent years the condition of the flats has deteriorated. The area has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and this has been intolerable for local people. Most tragic of all, a local man Bap McGreevy was murdered at the flats.

The Minister has proposed that 11, three-bedroom houses will replace the existing flats, with two alleyways onto the Falls Road closed off. This will help make the area a safer place to live.

The Minister will now put his proposals out for consultation to the local community.

Alex Attwood said: “I recognise that these flats have had a difficult, and at times, very dark past. I have visited the area. I have spoken with local residents individually. It has become more and more evident to me that we need not just new housing here, but also a much improved environment, to make the area not vulnerable to the activity of anti social elements, and more appealing for those who will live here.”

The revised plans, drawn up by the Housing Executive on the Minister’s instructions, involve the demolition of twelve flats, two houses and six cottages in the area. The eleven new family homes will bring more people to live on this site than the current housing provides for.

The Minister continued: “I believe the plans I am publishing today represent a good chance to address all of the issues raised with me and I am determined to move them on without further delay. I want to hear what residents think of our plans and subject to those views, expect to be able to have the final plans drawn up as early as October this year.”

The Department previously did not agree plans for demolition in the area as it was felt they didn’t go far enough in addressing the issues of anti-social behaviour and the effect they would have on waiting lists for the area. Since then, housing need in the Lower Falls has fallen and new sites in Clonard Gardens and at the Bass Brewery on the Glen Road have been announced to alleviate the issue of housing need further.

The new houses will be designed to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency and will reflect the very latest in safety and security standards.

The Minister, together with the Housing Executive, will hold a public meeting in the area next week to have detailed discussions with local residents on the proposals.

Notes to editors:

1. A total of 12 flats will be demolished. These consist of 8 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 1 bedroom flats. All, with the exception of two voids, are occupied by single tenants. In addition, 2 x 4 bedroom houses and 6 x 1 bedroom cottages will also be demolished.
2. All will be replaced with 11 x 3 bedroom, five person homes. These plans are consistent with the Housing Executive’s Greater West Belfast Strategy which identifies the need for more family style housing to better meet the housing need in the area.
3. The process will include a period of consultation followed by the appropriate economic appraisal.
4. The number of applicants in housing need in the Lower Falls has fallen from 305 in March 2009 to 273 in March 2010.
5. Media enquiries to Philip Maguire DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9079 mobile 07788 108657 or Ciara McGuigan on 028 9082 9497 mobile 07792 150486. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.