A housing association in Northern Ireland has started work on a £1.8 million project in Newcastle, Co Down.

Choice Housing plans to develop 16 new homes which are expected to be completed in May 2018.

The Donard Street scheme will provide 15 new apartments and one bungalow and accommodate up to 48 people. The development is funded by an investment of £975,000 from the Department for Communities, with a further £825,000 being provided by Choice Housing Association through private finance.

-- Advertisement --

Designed by RPP Architects, construction work on the town centre project is being undertaken by Kelly, McEvoy and Brown Building Contractors.

Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing said: "It is great to see the project really getting underway. It is good news, particularly for those who are on the waiting list, and will help bring a new vibrancy to Donard Street. This project will deliver 16 high quality new family homes and is one of a number of new Choice developments that are at various stages of planning and construction across Northern Ireland.

"We will continue to work closely with local communities to bring about sustainable transformations that can support them to grow and flourish. I look forward to welcoming tenants into their new homes next year."

(CD/LM)