The keys have been handed over to four new homes at the Black's Gate development in Belfast, bringing the total of completed properties at the site to 31.

Led by Radius Housing, this represents one of the largest mixed tenure housing developments in Northern Ireland and will comprise 244 social and affordable homes when complete in late 2022.

Four new families have been welcomed to their new homes just in time for Christmas, with further handovers planned in the new year.

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. 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.

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The £30 million scheme has been supported by £14.3 million Housing Association Grant funding from the Department for Communities and over £16 million private finance investment by Radius.

Welcoming the recent handover, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "The delivery of social housing is a key priority for me and my Department. I am delighted that homes on this fantastic site are now being handed over to tenants. These new homes are a welcome addition to an area with high housing need. I wish all who make Black's Gate their home many years of happiness."

Speaking at the handover today, Martin Pitt, Chair of Radius Housing, added: "We are delighted to welcome four more families to Blacks Gate which is already proving to be a vibrant, inclusive and cohesive community. This development project has been one of the most ambitious ones we have undertaken. We recognised that this prime located brown field site had the potential to be revitalised into a thriving housing and community space. Despite challenges brought on by the nature of the site, Covid and supply issues, this project is progressing well and it is amazing to see our vision materialise and it will transform 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 across Northern Ireland. We hope that the new families who are moving in today settle in in time for Christmas and enjoy these gorgeous new homes for many years to come."