The first sod has been cut on a £2.2 million social housing scheme in Newry, providing ten new family homes in the city.
Located on repurposed land on the Camlough Road, the scheme will comprise eight three-bedroom homes, a single five-bedroom house and one four-bedroom property.
The development, named Parkhead Close, is due to be completed in summer 2024.
The scheme has been developed by Alpha Housing and will be delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities (DfC) which part funded the project with a £1.1m grant through the NI Housing Executive.
The construction work will be carried out by Newry-based Belnew Developments Limited.
Representatives from Alpha Housing were joined by elected representatives and other stakeholders to cut the first sod.
Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Valerie Harte said: “As one of my first engagements as chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, I am delighted to see Alpha Housing’s impressive plans for these much-needed family homes in the heart of the city.
“This investment will make an important contribution to addressing housing waiting lists in the local area as well as the regeneration a previously derelict piece of land. One of my priorities as chair is to work with statutory agencies and valued partners such as Alpha Housing to promote the development of quality housing for all.”
Chief Executive of Alpha Housing Cameron Watt said: “In addition to building affordable, high-quality homes, Alpha Housing is committed to helping build thriving communities.
“This new development, located close to amenities and transport links, will revitalise a previously unused area of land off the Camlough Road, catering for a wide range of family sizes and needs. We are working closely with the Carnagat Community Association who are very supportive of this project and its wider benefits for the local area.
“Recently Newry, Mourne and Down Council passed a motion to prioritise social housing development over the next decade. Alpha Housing is committed to contributing to this goal, helping provide local people with a range of affordable, high-quality homes.”
Sinead Collins, the Housing Executive’s head of place shaping for the south region, described the development as “welcome news for Newry City where the need for additional social housing remains consistently high”.
Paula McGuigan from the Carnagat Community Association said they were looking forward to the houses being allocated and welcoming families to the area.
