Alpha Housing has joined with Ballymena-based Martin & Hamilton to launch a £2 million construction project that will help deliver 14 much needed homes for independent, older people in Broughshane.
Situated on Fir Park, just off main street Raceview Road, the scheme will be incorporate the ‘HAPPI principles’, which provides a blueprint for high-quality housing for people in later life. Features of the new scheme will include generous internal space, maximum use of natural light, and a design that incorporates trees and shrubs to enhance the local environment. Residents will also benefit from the convenient location close to local shops, amenities and transport links.
The development of this scheme is being enabled with £1.4M in Department for Communities’ (DfC) grant through the Housing Executive, with the balance of funding provided by local housing association Alpha Housing.
As well as contributing to meeting the housing needs of our senior citizens, these apartments will valuably help sustain local shops and services
Lexie Scott, Chair, Broughshane & District Community Association
Speaking at the sod cutting, Lexie Scott, Chairman of the Broughshane & District Community Association said:
“We are thrilled to see the start of the building of these spacious new homes for older people. Broughshane is a sought-after place to live with a shortage of affordable homes. As well as contributing to meeting the housing needs of our senior citizens, these apartments will valuably help sustain local shops and services, and free up larger homes for families that need them.”
Cameron Watt, Chief Executive of Alpha Housing, added:
“Alpha Housing is proud to be helping pioneer a new generation of housing for older people in Northern Ireland. This is our second such project, following our recent construction of similar apartments in Stormont in east Belfast, which have been very popular. Alpha believes there is a huge unmet need for spacious and attractive homes of this type, situated close to local amenities and transport links.”
David Hamilton, Managing Director of Martin & Hamilton, said:
“As a local firm, Martin & Hamilton is delighted to be partnering with Alpha Housing to deliver these 14 high-quality homes for older people in Broughshane. We share Alpha Housing’s commitment to quality and look forward to building on this partnership to provide more social and affordable homes across Northern Ireland.”
The scheme is expected to be completed in November 2022.