'We look forward to welcoming residents': Multi-million-pound social housing development set for Co Armagh
Choice’s Drumnagoon Gate scheme will transform a former greenfield site into energy-efficient homes, with the first phase due for completion this autumn
A new social housing development at Drumnagoon Gate in Craigavon will bring 38 new homes to the area, with the first phase due to be completed by this autumn.
Owned by Choice, the scheme will transform a previously undeveloped greenfield site into high-quality residential homes.
Sixteen will be five-person, three-bedroom houses and the remaining twenty-two will be three-person, two-bedroom houses. Constructed to the highest standards, each home will include modern fixtures and fittings, and energy-efficient gas-fired heating systems.
Michael McDonnell, Choice Group chief executive, said: “Through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, this scheme demonstrates what can be achieved when strong partnerships come together to address housing need, whilst supporting community cohesion.
"This is a significant milestone for Choice and for the Craigavon area. We are pleased to see the first phase progressing well and look forward to welcoming residents into their new energy efficient homes this year.”
The development partner is Windsor Developments, with construction being delivered by Drumlough Developments. A wider professional team has been appointed to support the delivery of the scheme, including civil engineer Sheehy Consulting, structural engineer Taylor and Boyd, mechanical and electrical engineer SCC Consulting Engineers, and quantity surveyor Hamill Gallagher.
Drumnagoon Gate is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. A potential £4.5 million will be invested in the Drumnagoon Gate shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.
As part of ‘Housing for All’, Choice work in partnership with local statutory, community and voluntary sectors as well as engaging with a wide range of other local stakeholders and residents to develop tailored good relations plans for each of their associated schemes.
These plans include key initiatives and projects tailored for the local community and residents from the surrounding area. Nurturing these partnerships is a vital element of delivering shared housing options.
As one of the largest housing associations in Northern Ireland, Choice currently provides over 14,000 homes to meet the diverse needs of approximately 40,000 tenants and residents.