The historic former home of a prominent Belfast builder, known for constructing landmarks such as City Hall and the Ulster Museum, is to be redeveloped into 42 social housing units.

In collaboration with Choice Housing Ireland, Clonrose Developments appointed H&J Martin to create the new homes on the Ormeau Road site, which was its home for 140 years.

'The Brickworks' will include seven townhouses, 32 apartments and three wheel-chair accessible apartments, arranged around a central courtyard with allocated parking.

Stephen Davey, Development Director for Clonrose Developments, said: "We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with both Choice and H&J Martin to deliver what will be a unique development in this prominent location. We have no doubt it will exceed both Choice and their tenants' expectations in terms of design quality and finish. It felt appropriate that H&J Martin should be the construction partner to deliver this scheme for us given this was their historic home for so many years."

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Michael McDonnell, Chief Executive of Choice added: "This design and build partnership with Clonrose Developments and H&J Martin is testament to our ongoing commitment to addressing the need for quality social housing across Northern Ireland. Developing these partnerships is a key element of meeting the growing need.

"There is a high demand across Belfast and when sites like this one become available, it is imperative that social housing is a high priority. The location of this development will ensure tenants can avail of top-quality housing with many local amenities on their doorstep."

H&J Martin established themselves on the site in 1879 and from this location grew to be the leading builder in Northern Ireland, constructing many of the city's landmark buildings such as the Belfast Telegraph Building in 1886, the Grand Opera House in 1895 and Belfast City Hall in 1898. The Slieve Donard Hotel and Ulster Museum are also listed amongst their achievements. By the turn of the century, H&J Martin also grew to be the largest brick manufacturer in Ireland as owners of the Haypark Brickworks Company and The Model Brickworks Company, both located on the Ormeau Road.

Gareth Moore, Construction Director for the contractor, commented: "H&J Martin was once the major employer in the Ormeau Area. Having also constructed the Holylands and Sunnyside Areas, it is fitting that, as H&J Martin departs from our home on the Ormeau Road, we leave a final lasting legacy for the people there with the construction of a high-quality social housing scheme."  

(JG)