A milestone has been reached on a £8.5 million housing scheme in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

The first phase of Choice Housing's Larne Road development, located on the former site of St Mary's Primary School, was officially opened on Monday, 09 April.

Phase one includes the first 12 units of the development, which will be available from late April, with Phase two and three following shortly providing a further 62 units.

Designed by Knox & Clayton Architects, the project will provide 74 new homes and accommodate 238 people with the very latest energy saving, design and security features.

The scheme is funded by an investment of £4.4m from the Department for Communities, with a further £4.4m provided by Choice Housing Association through private finance.

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Paul Frew MLA for North Antrim said: "This is an exciting time for Ballymena and Harryville in particular with much needed brand new, state of the art, modern housing. This development will bring much relief to many of my constituents who have been on the waiting list for a long time.

"I am glad that I have been able to support Choice Housing Association throughout this project from planning and design stage right up to now, the official opening, and the delivery of the first phase of homes."

Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing said: "This important project will bring 74 high quality new homes for families of varying sizes in Ballymena. It is good news, particularly for those who are on the waiting list, and will help bring a new vibrancy to the Larne Road area.

"We have been pleased to see the support for the development in the local area, one that is in need of housing that is flexible and accommodating to a wide range of families and their unique circumstances. We pride ourselves on becoming part of the community and we look forward to opening phase 2 and 3 in due course."

Choice Housing said it is anticipated phase 2 and 3 of the project will be allocated in summer 2018.

(LM)