Construction work has begun on a new 12 home development plan in Newtownabbey, North Belfast.

The £1.7 million project will provide eight two-bedroom houses and four three-bedroom houses, accommodating a total of 44 people in the area.

The development is set on a 0.75 acres site of the former St Ninian's Parish Church on Whitewell Road. The church, which closed its doors to the public in June 2015, was recently demolished.

The project was designed by Rolston Architects, and the primary contractor is Geda Construction.

The development is expected to be complete in April 2019.

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The project is funded by Choice Housing and the Department for Communities.

Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing said: "This important scheme will bring much needed family homes to the Whitewell area of Newtownabbey, at a time when demand is high. It is good news particularly for those who are on the waiting list. This is a site that we have worked hard to secure and we are grateful for the support received from the Department for Communities in doing so.

"We currently have 285 properties in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area. The high quality homes, care and support services help meet the diverse needs of a wide range of people in the area. I look forward to welcoming new tenants into their new homes next year."

Deborah Brown, Director of Housing at the Department for Communities said: "I am delighted to join with Choice in marking the start of construction of the new housing scheme here in Newtownabbey, an area where there is real need for quality social housing. The development represents a significant investment from the Department as well as Choice Housing and will no doubt be welcomed by those on the social housing waiting list."

(CM)