Construction work has started on a £6.5million shared social housing scheme in Armagh.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey cut the first sod at the site on Ogle Street in Armagh City Centre.

The development is being provided by Ark Housing Association with support of £3.4 million from the Department for Communities. The scheme is a 'Housing for All' project which promotes sharing and integration in housing.

The scheme will deliver 42 homes including a mix of town houses and apartments, including wheelchair accessible accommodation to meet the housing needs of citizens.

Minister Hargey said: "I have asked the department to begin the biggest reform of social housing in over 50 years. This includes building more homes, where they are needed. This new social housing scheme will provide much needed homes for families in housing need in the Armagh area. It reminds us too that homes make neighbourhoods and schemes like this create places where people want to live and to thrive as a community.

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"When the transformational plan to make our housing system better was outlined, a key component was to improve housing, and to make sure there is a lot more of it. This Ogle Street scheme in Armagh demonstrates my commitment to delivering more homes through an ambitious housing programme consistent with New Decade New Approach. I want to build more homes that meet the needs of our society, now and in the future."

Total scheme costs are in the region of £6.5m and will be financed through Department for Communities Housing Association Grant of £3.4m and private investment by Ark Housing of £3.1m. The scheme as part of the ‘Housing For All’ programme is also eligible for an additional £598,000 Good Relations funding. Ark Housing will roll out a strategic community cohesion plan over a five year period aimed at bringing people together.