The north’s first fully mixed tenure apartment scheme, comprising both social housing and private rental units, is set to be handed over in three weeks.
The £14 million development at the King’s Hall will include 45 apartments for the 55s, integrated with 36 privately rented units.
The scheme is part of the wider £100m regeneration project led by Benmore Octopus, which will include medical and life sciences accommodation, a multi-storey car park, a central plaza, crèche, hospitality space and leisure facilities.
The 81-unit apartment scheme will be managed by Choice Housing and its subsidiary, Maple and May.
With a single entrance, shared communal space and parking, it’s understood to be the first fully integrated social/private apartment scheme in Northern Ireland.
Contractor H&J Martin is due to hand over the development on June 5 2024.
Choice Group chief executive, Michael McDonnell said mixed tenure developments have the potential to foster greater social, economic and community cohesion, and offer more viable housing options across the north.
“To achieve this, we need a collaborative approach with partners and statutory agencies all working together,” he said.
The new scheme was visited this week by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
“I have said that we need to be innovative as we seek to address the housing need in our society,” he said.
“In providing high-quality accommodation across a range of tenures – both social housing and private rentals – this scheme is an example of progressive thinking in action.”
