Clanmil Housing Group has purchased a vacant site on Downpatrick Street at the centre of Crossgar.
The association is currently progressing plans to develop the site to provide much needed new homes to help address housing need in the area.
Quality architectural design will ensure that the new homes are a positive addition to the village, adding vibrancy to a site that has lain vacant for some time. High spec energy efficiency features will make the homes affordable to run for the families who will live in them.
Margaret Ritchie MP visited the site along with representatives of Crossgar and Area Community Association. Speaking just after the visit she said: “It is very welcome news that Clanmil is working to develop a new social housing scheme in the centre of Crossgar to address unmet housing need in the area. This project will transform a vacant site in the middle of the town whilst providing secure and affordable new-build homes for those on the housing waiting list.
“This scheme should also benefit the wider community with a boost to the local economy through job creation in the building of these homes.
“Too often, people on the housing list struggle to find suitable accommodation in their area of choice. The development of this site will create modern homes for people in an area that has few re-lets available. I am delighted that people will be assured of modern accommodation in Crossgar town.”
Roisin Erskine, Chairperson of the Crossgar and Area Community Association, also welcomed the purchase of the land and said: “The development of this site is brilliant news for Crossgar. There has been a hole in the heart of the village for far too long and the Community Association is delighted to see a respected housing association such as Clanmil investing in social housing for local people.
“We look forward to hearing more about their plans for the site and would encourage local residents and businesses to get involved in the community consultation process.”
Jan Sloan, Development Manager at Clanmil Housing added: “Clanmil is committed to helping meet high demand for good homes in South Down and we are delighted to have completed the purchase of this site.
“We have been talking through our plans with local community and political representatives and welcome their support. We will continue to work with them as our plans progress and, in the meantime, would also like to hear from anyone who has an interest in the development and would like to share their views.”
Subject to planning, it is hoped that construction of the new homes will begin in late 2017.
