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Construction work on 17 homes at Radius Housing's Blacks Gate development in Belfast have been completed.
The homes are the first of 244 new houses being constructed on the site of the former Visteon factory.
Alongside the 244 homes, the development also includes community and workspace facilities, all set within extensive newly landscaped and open space on the former factory site. Radius secured planning permission in 2018, and, following remedial works, construction of the new homes commenced in June 2019.
The homes have been handed over and are 10 social homes and seven private homes. Radius is also planning further handovers in the coming weeks, with the overall project expected to be completed by late 2022. The £30 million scheme has been supported by £14.3 million Housing Association Grant funding from the Department for Communities and over £16million private finance investment by Radius. The main contractor on the site is Kevin Watson Group, and more than 300 construction jobs have been supported through the development, including a significant number of apprenticeships.
John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing, said: "We are delighted that the first homes in Blacks Gate are being handed over today. This has been one of the most ambitious development projects we have undertaken. We saw the huge opportunity this site could bring, not just for housing, but also for community space and revitalising an important swathe of land on what is a gateway to Belfast. Despite the many challenges faced over the last number of months the project is on course and will make a huge difference in the lives of the new residents of Blacks Gate.
"As a mixed tenure development, with social and affordable private homes built to the highest quality, Blacks Gate will set the standard for new housing projects in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Radius’ development team, working with Kevin Watson Group, have delivered to the highest standard and we are delighted with the first completed homes. We hope that the first 17 families who are moving in today enjoy these beautiful new homes."
