Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has opened the first £3.5 million phase of a major housing regeneration project in the Village area of south Belfast.

The Minister was on site to officially open 37 new homes just completed by Fold Housing Association. The new houses are the first of 114 new homes being built by Fold to replace those demolished as part of a major regeneration plan for the area. A second phase of 50 homes is due to complete by December 2013, with a third phase of 27 homes due to start in early 2014.

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Visiting the new housing scheme, Minister McCausland said: "The completion of the first phase of this major housing investment in this historic area of south Belfast is the start of a brighter future for the people of the Village. It is an exciting time for the local community, welcoming back many of the residents who used to live here.

"I am proud that the Executive through my Department could contribute £2.5million towards the construction of the £3.5million first phase. Replacing poor quality housing with bright, modern homes is an important first step in supporting and sustaining this community. A total of 114 new quality homes will be built in the Village across three phases removing dereliction and reversing years of decline in the area.

"This new housing, with a mix of different sizes of housing and apartments, will bring with it an enhanced community profile and vibrancy which means better long term sustainability for the whole area."

(CD/IT)