A multi-million pound social housing scheme for older people has been unveiled in east Belfast.

It is in Sydenham and provide accommodation for 32 households and up to 94 people. Completed by Helm Housing, the £4.25 million Butterfield Lodge, located at 221 Holywood Road, will have a welcome impact on the social housing problems in east Belfast.

The development comprises of 30 three person, two bedroom self-contained flats, and two, two person, two bedroom self-contained wheelchair apartments.

The scheme is the product of Helm Housing securing support from the Housing Executive, the Department for Social Development and the private sector.

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Jean Fulton, Group Chief Executive at Helm Housing, said: "Our aim is to meet the urgent housing need in this area for older people and provide quality accommodation that people will enjoy living in and feel secure in their environment.

"We have looked carefully at the surrounding area and have chosen the design, scale and materials of this scheme to sit sympathetically alongside.

"The substantial grounds around the buildings have also been landscaped to provide an attractive and secure environment for the older people who live there — as well as to enhance the local area," she said.

Ms Fulton added: "The apartments are built to a 'secured by design' standard - meaning that door, window and lock specifications are much higher than usual - in order to deter burglars.

"They also meet Eco Homes good rating criteria, as ecologically-friendly materials were used in construction," the housing boss explained.

(BMcC/KMcA)