Portadown's Curran Street / Obins Street will be redeveloped and used for much needed social and affordable homes.

The land, acquired by Oaklee Homes Group, will soon be home to 35 new families. The Housing Association intends, over two phases, to develop 35 new houses, including up to 15 social and 20 affordable homes as well as modest neighbourhood retail and office accommodation.

Minister McCausland said: "This is an excellent example of how my Department has worked together with local representatives and statutory bodies to tackle disadvantage and dereliction and improve the quality of life for people of all ages who live in this area.

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"Delivering affordable housing is one of my top of priorities. The redevelopment of this prominent derelict site at Curran Street / Obins Street, presents an opportunity to help the people who are on waiting lists for social housing, many of whom are young couples. There will also be the opportunity for people to buy affordable houses through a shared ownership scheme.

"In addition to providing some much needed family housing, this project will also create sustainable employment opportunities for the local community through the proposed development of shop / retail units."

The Department for Social Development is currently working closely with Oaklee Homes Group Ltd, who is committed to delivering the regeneration of the Curran Street / Obins Street site as per the planning approval. The Housing Association anticipates that work on the first phase of the scheme will commence on the ground early next year.

(CD/MH)