The Fold Housing Association is getting ready to release for rent a new development of high quality homes in the heart of Ardglass which represents and investment of £2million in the local area.
Although there is no sheltered housing in this development, the 18 new home development has raised much interest in the Ardglass area and has been welcomed by community and political leaders.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said: “It is very welcome that Fold Housing Association is developing a new social housing scheme in Ardglass to meet housing need in the area. This project will provide 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. This development 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 the centre of Ardglass.”
Grainne Teggart, Fold Area Housing Manager, Fold said: “Fold Housing Association has a long history of providing sheltered accommodation in the Down region with schemes in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle as well as general family housing in Ardglass and Clough. It has been part of our long term strategy to complement our provision of sheltered accommodation with general needs social housing for families and singles in an area of high housing need.
“We are delighted that our new development Mill River Close in Ardglass is nearing completion. The development comprises 18 properties and will provide a mix of 1x bedroom apartments along with 2x and 3x bedroom homes, suitable for singles, couples and families. They are convenient to schools, shops and other local amenities. Ardglass also avails of regular bus service through the village daily to neighbouring towns.
She added: “These houses and apartments have been designed by Lifetime homes and Secured by Design Standards (SDB) to provide high quality, safe and energy efficient homes which can be adapted to meet any future needs.
“At Fold, we seek to provide much more than housing. As part of our wider community investment programme, we have written social clauses into all the contracts for the construction of these new homes which have provided employment for unemployed people, placements for students and apprentice opportunities. The properties have been built by P&K McKaigue Building Contractors Ltd.”
Councillor Dermot Curran also welcomed the new housing development and added that “it is a very timely increase in the housing stock in Ardglass as it is proving to be a popular place to live and work. There is quite a shortage of affordable homes here at present. The quality of the new housing is second to none and I wish the new tenants every happiness in their new homes.”
If anyone would like to register their interest in moving into one of the new homes at Mill River Close they need to contact the local Downpatrick District office of The Northern Ireland Housing Executive Office on 03448 920900. Or contact Maeve McLoughlin, Senior Housing Officer, at Fold Housing Association on 028 9039 7126.
Picture Yourself Living Here: Fold Housing Association’s Grainne Teggart (above) is calling for families to picture themselves living in Fold’s new quality development, Mill River Close in the picturesque village of Ardglass. The 18 new homes are nearing completion and will provide a mix of one bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom homes.
Down News understands that the Fold Housing Association is currently assessing demand for sheltered housing, but that much depends on the elderly and disabled persons etc expressing interest and referrals from social and health care agencies.
