A host of 25 homes in Newcastle, Co Down, have undergone a major renovation.

Radius Housing selected Hugh J O'Boyle Contractors to deliver £560,000 renovation and upgrade works at Donard Fold, a sheltered scheme consisting of 25 self contained apartments with communal areas.

The major planned works have seen both internal and external redecoration, new kitchens, windows and doors installed, as well as fire safety works and upgrades to the insulation throughout the building.

This represents the latest stage of a wider investment from Radius Housing to upgrade and improve properties across Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the completion of the works, Judith Gray, Asset Manager at Radius Housing, said: "At Radius we recognise the importance of maintaining homes to the highest standard for our tenants, which is why we are investing £12m in planned renovations, upgrades and redecoration in homes and sheltered schemes right across Northern Ireland. This is not just about how homes look, but also about ensuing the highest standards of safety and improving energy efficiency in our buildings.

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"We are delighted with the renovations at Donard Fold, and the standard of work Hugh J O'Boyle has brought to this project. This £560,000 investment has helped bring more comfort to the homes of our tenants, and the feedback we have received has been extremely positive."

Commenting on the renovation, tenant Ethel McGowan added: "What a transformation, it makes one feel proud to be a tenant. It all looks so terrific, in fact I am so pleased that I posted a photograph of the front entrance and garden to an ex tenant. She too was very impressed with all she could see from the photograph – if she could see it all her eyes would be a goggle."

Radius Housing manages more than 13,000 homes in 80 towns across Northern Ireland, as well as providing supported housing with 24 hour care for frail and elderly people, people with dementia and those with learning difficulties; in addition it provides 12,000 day care placements. This year, Radius is increasing its assets investment to improve homes and residential care facilities to over £12m.