22/07/2008
Apartments For Ards Welcomed
Local representatives have welcomed plans for 45 new BIH apartments in Newtownards.
Proposals for new family housing in the town centre were discussed at a meeting between the housing association and Strangford MLA Jim Shannon.
BIH, who manages and maintains more than 4,500 properties across the Province, unveiled plans for 45 new apartments on Regent Street.
Still in the early stages of design, the project has been broadly welcomed by the Housing Executive and Planning Service.
BIH's Director of Development, Ian Graham, said: "There is a growing demand for social housing in the Newtownards area and we hope that this scheme will go some way to meeting that need."
Mr Graham said the designs had smaller families in mind.
"We are looking at three storey accommodation for this site, with 15 three person, two bedroom apartments on each floor," he added.
The Regent Street site is close to many local amenities, including the town's bus station.
The plans also incorporate underground residential parking, which will alleviate possible congestion in the centre of the town caused by on-street parking.
Mr Graham said: "We know that the site is also close to Newtownards's 'area of townscape character' and that there are a number of listed buildings close by."
"We will be sensitive to the new scheme’s design so that it sits comfortably in its surroundings," he said.
Mr Graham said the new scheme would meet 'Secured by Design', 'Lifetime Homes' and 'Code for Sustainable Homes' criteria.
He said: "'Code for Sustainable Homes' standards means we use ecological friendly material with low energy output for lighting."
BIH hopes to commence work on the scheme next March, with the completion date scheduled for September 2010.
MLA Jim Shannon said: "This project is an opportunity for Newtownards to have some of the much needed social housing and also breathe more life into the town."
"They will also be a bonus to the regeneration of that area of the town. I will await with anticipation this scheme and others like it which will bring multifaceted benefits to Ards," added Alderman Shannon.
(PR/JM)
Proposals for new family housing in the town centre were discussed at a meeting between the housing association and Strangford MLA Jim Shannon.
BIH, who manages and maintains more than 4,500 properties across the Province, unveiled plans for 45 new apartments on Regent Street.
Still in the early stages of design, the project has been broadly welcomed by the Housing Executive and Planning Service.
BIH's Director of Development, Ian Graham, said: "There is a growing demand for social housing in the Newtownards area and we hope that this scheme will go some way to meeting that need."
Mr Graham said the designs had smaller families in mind.
"We are looking at three storey accommodation for this site, with 15 three person, two bedroom apartments on each floor," he added.
The Regent Street site is close to many local amenities, including the town's bus station.
The plans also incorporate underground residential parking, which will alleviate possible congestion in the centre of the town caused by on-street parking.
Mr Graham said: "We know that the site is also close to Newtownards's 'area of townscape character' and that there are a number of listed buildings close by."
"We will be sensitive to the new scheme’s design so that it sits comfortably in its surroundings," he said.
Mr Graham said the new scheme would meet 'Secured by Design', 'Lifetime Homes' and 'Code for Sustainable Homes' criteria.
He said: "'Code for Sustainable Homes' standards means we use ecological friendly material with low energy output for lighting."
BIH hopes to commence work on the scheme next March, with the completion date scheduled for September 2010.
MLA Jim Shannon said: "This project is an opportunity for Newtownards to have some of the much needed social housing and also breathe more life into the town."
"They will also be a bonus to the regeneration of that area of the town. I will await with anticipation this scheme and others like it which will bring multifaceted benefits to Ards," added Alderman Shannon.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
07 October 2021
Additional Funding Allocated To Deliver New Homes In NI
Additional funding of up to £15 million has been allocated to deliver new homes in Northern Ireland. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey approved the funding to ensure stability in the social housing construction sector following recent volatility in the costs of materials.
Additional Funding Allocated To Deliver New Homes In NI
Additional funding of up to £15 million has been allocated to deliver new homes in Northern Ireland. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey approved the funding to ensure stability in the social housing construction sector following recent volatility in the costs of materials.
13 January 2016
Co Down Window Manufacturer To Create 25 New Posts
A Co Antrim window manufacturers has announced it is to create 25 new jobs. Apeer, located in Ballymena, said the new posts are part of a £1.7 million investment.
Co Down Window Manufacturer To Create 25 New Posts
A Co Antrim window manufacturers has announced it is to create 25 new jobs. Apeer, located in Ballymena, said the new posts are part of a £1.7 million investment.
16 December 2011
Social Housing Project Boosts Builders
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
Social Housing Project Boosts Builders
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
14 December 2009
Brewery To Become New Homes
A new £25m housing scheme has been approved for the old Bass Brewery in west Belfast. Some 166 new homes will be built in what is being billed as one of the largest social housing schemes undertaken in Northern Ireland. It will also create much needed employment - with some 200 on-site jobs boosting the beleaguered construction industry.
Brewery To Become New Homes
A new £25m housing scheme has been approved for the old Bass Brewery in west Belfast. Some 166 new homes will be built in what is being billed as one of the largest social housing schemes undertaken in Northern Ireland. It will also create much needed employment - with some 200 on-site jobs boosting the beleaguered construction industry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.