Construction work has begun on Choice Housing's £18.3 million development in Newry.

The former Saint Clare's Convent and Primary School in High Street will be redeveloped after being given the green light in March of this year. Once completed the development will consist of 88 units in total, 18 of which will be will be two bed apartments for private rent managed by Choice subsidiary Maple and May and a further 70 social housing properties, managed by Choice.

The scheme will also feature a community hub which will provide a range of high quality and cost-effective services to local people.

Partners working with Choice and Maple and May in this project include Clonrose Developments, H&J Martin Construction, Gray Designs, a Newry-based Architects firm and Hall Black Douglas Architects.

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Michael McDonnell, Choice Group Chief Executive said: "This is one of Choice Housing's biggest and most ambitious projects in recent times and I am pleased to see the project get under way.

"Not only does this development represent a significant boost to the area economically and, at the same time, help to address the ever-growing need for social and private rentals in Newry, we also believe it is sensitive to an area that has historical significance and interest.

"In a part of Newry that’s been under-developed for some time now, when St Clare’s has been finished by contractors, Choice Housing is confident that this will be a very attractive place to live."

Stephen Davey, Director of Clonrose Developments, said: "We are really pleased to continue our strong relationship with Choice Housing and Maple May and deliver what will be our fourth and most ambitious project to date for them.

"The former St Clare’s Convent and Primary School represents a very challenging site from a development perspective, located within a conservation area and combining the sympathetic restoration of a listed Chapel and the retention of many mature trees. However, once complete, we are confident it will provide a unique setting for the 88 new homes, within walking distance of Newry City Centre."

Choice offers 741 properties in the Newry Mourne and Down area. Among these, 448 are allocated for family housing, while the rest include a combination of sheltered and supported housing.