Belfast YMCA is selling a prime piece of its unused land in the Stranmillis area in what it says is a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the city.
The 2.84 acres site adjacent to the charity’s existing base in the coveted BT9 area is on the market for “offers in the region of £1m”.
The under-utilised land off Knightsbridge Park, which has been earmarked for development into affordable housing, lies close to Stranmillis village and the Malone Road, and is seen as offering a unique opportunity to developers and housing providers.
Belfast YMCA (www.belfastymca.org) will retain the majority of the land surrounding the site, where its hub offers facilities including a day nursery, after school clubs gym, and community amenities.
The charity plans to further enhance this area with a community garden, walking trails, and a junior park run, making it an ideal location for a residential development that aligns with the YMCA’s community-centric mission.
Belfast YMCA chief executive Chris Cupples said the sale of the unused land will allow the organisation to reinvest into other initiatives, allowing it to play a more active role in addressing the needs of children, young people and communities across the city.
He said: “We’re delighted to be moving forward with plans to market this site for sale. Affordable housing is in high demand across Belfast and this site presents a great opportunity to help provide more local housing.
“The sale of the site will not impact on any of the activities delivered at our Stranmillis hub. The sale offers a strategic opportunity to partner with a trusted charity, presenting the chance to collaborate on a social housing scheme aligned with the YMCA’s mission, leveraging existing resources for mutual benefit and enhancing community wellbeing.
“The site also presents the opportunity for other social developments such as a nursing home or residential care facility.”
Brian Kidd, partner at Frazer Kidd (www.frazerkidd.co.uk), which is dealing with the sale, said the land “offers a rare opportunity to acquire a potential residential development site in an extremely popular residential area, directly adjacent to the YMCA football playing fields.”
He added: “This land presents the opportunity to develop a scheme aligned with the YMCA’s mission, leveraging existing resources for mutual benefit and enhancing community well-being.”
