Former Lisburn MOD Homes To Be Transformed Into Social Housing

A group of 59 disused former Ministry of Defence (MoD) properties in Lisburn are set to be refurbished into social and affordable housing.

Properties at Mountview Drive and Skyline Drive will be transformed into 30 social housing units for families on the waiting list and 29 affordable homes for sale to those hoping to get on the property ladder, according to the Department for Communities.

Tracy Meharg, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities said: "Reducing housing stress and increasing the level of housing supply across Northern Ireland are key objectives for the Department for Communities. The Department has been working for some time to ensure this transfer is made so that these homes can be brought back into use for the benefit of the community. 

"Clanmil will soon be able to get underway with the refurbishment works and these vacant properties will be brought back to life and provide a good quality, comfortable home for many families.

"The use of former MOD homes like this, is an excellent example of how former public sector assets can help tackle disadvantage and dereliction and improve the quality of life for people of all ages who live in this area."

SDLP Councillor Johnny McCarthy has welcomed the news of 59 additional properties to the Lisburn housing market, after expressing his frustration at the amount of vacant properties in the area.

"These vacant properties were an attraction for anti-social behaviour and vandalism, when people in the area are awaiting homes," he commented.

"I am delighted that today the Department for Communities handed the keys for 59 former Ministry of Defence (MOD) homes to Clanmil for refurbishment as social and affordable houses.

"These properties will go a long way to providing homes for those in need. I look forward to seeing these properties transformed into a vibrant community."

Clare McCarty, Group Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing, added: "We have been working closely for some time now with the Department for Communities to progress the transfer of these vacant properties. We're delighted to finally be in a position to start the refurbishment work that will bring them back to life as much needed, high quality, affordable family homes.

"We've previously refurbished 36 houses in Mountview Drive so we know they make fantastic family homes and we're really looking forward to seeing more families moving in and making these homes their own."



(JG/CM)