Choice starts work on new homes in Newcastle

Scheduled for completion in May 2018, the Donard Street scheme will provide 15 new apartments and one bungalow and accommodate up to 48 people.

The development is funded by an investment of £975,000 from the Department for Communities (DoC), with a further £825,000 being provided by Choice Housing Association through private finance.

Designed by RPP Architects, construction work on the town centre project is being undertaken by Kelly, McEvoy and Brown building contractors.

“It is great to see the project really getting underway,” said Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing.

“It is good news, particularly for those who are on the waiting list, and will help bring a new vibrancy to Donard Street.

“This project will deliver 16 high quality new family homes and is one of a number of new Choice developments that are at various stages of planning and construction across Northern Ireland.

“We will continue to work closely with local communities to bring about sustainable transformations that can support them to grow and flourish. I look forward to welcoming tenants into their new homes next year.”

Ian Snowden, director of housing policy and performance at the DoC said: “I am delighted to join with Choice in marking the start of construction of the new housing scheme here in the centre of Newcastle which will bring 16 much needed family homes and help regenerate the surrounding area.

“The development represents a significant investment from the Department and will no doubt be welcomed by those on the social housing waiting list.”

Choice manages more than 10,000 homes in Northern Ireland and last year started work on more than 400 new homes.