Communities Minister has officially opened a new
housing development of 135 shared homes at the St
Patrick's regeneration site in Ballymena.
The shared housing scheme, funded by the Department for
Communities and Radius Housing, is part of a wider regeneration
of the former military site, bringing economic and social
benefits to Ballymena and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Lyons
said: “I am pleased to be opening this
transformational project which marks another phase in the ongoing
regeneration of the St Patrick's site. This development of
modern, affordable, sustainable and shared homes is a significant
step in addressing the housing need which exists in this
community. The regeneration of the area will provide not
just housing but a community with social infrastructure, new
facilities and links to the nearby town centre, making it a great
place to live.
“At the end of 2024, I launched the Housing Supply
Strategy which aims to deliver 100,000 homes over the next 15
years, a third of which will be social housing. To achieve
this goal, we need a radical approach to find new ways to
increase the number of homes under construction, reduce
homelessness and improve housing quality.
“The successful completion of housing schemes like this
one can only be achieved through continuing collaboration,
involving individuals, organisations, communities and government
at various levels. I commend Radius Housing Association on the
successful completion of this development and wish the residents
every happiness in their new homes.”
Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing
Association welcomed the Minister, saying: “We are
delighted to welcome the new tenants to their homes, and it is
important that Communities Minister has been able to join us here
to officially mark the completion of the new homes at St
Patrick's. This is a really significant regeneration project, led
by housing but bringing wide-ranging benefits to the whole
community.
“The construction element, with the employment and apprenticeship
opportunities it created, is one important aspect. But Radius is
committed to building communities as well as homes, and our team
has already been working with the local community, schools and
neighbours to ensure that the new development and tenants
integrate positively. We hope that the new tenants enjoy many
happy years in their new homes.”
The regeneration of the St Patrick's site is led by the
Department for Communities and includes residential homes, a new
PSNI building and a range of projects being developed by Mid
& East Antrim Borough Council including a new leisure and
wellbeing centre, innovation and cleantech hub, as well as civic
and public spaces. The new Northern Regional College campus
beside the site is opening for students this month.
Notes to Editors
- Department for Communities is leading on the regeneration of
the site and it is expected all the projects planned for the site
will collectively deliver investment of around £160 million,
bringing new homes, new facilities, new jobs & new
opportunities.
- The housing scheme has been delivered by Radius Housing with
their lead contractor MJ McBride. The scheme consists of 32
apartments, including a number which are wheelchair accessible,
and 103 houses, ten of which are for private rent/sale as private
homes. The project also includes creation of a new children's
play park.
- A shared housing scheme is part of the overall Shared Housing
Programme (Housing for All) and aims to attract residents from
different backgrounds and identities.
