Gordon Lyons MLA, the Minister for Communities, has accompanied the Choice Housing team on a visit to the first fully mixed-tenure apartment development in Northern Ireland.

This development which is located at the current King's Hall site in Belfast is due to be handed over on 5 June 2024.

The £14 million project managed by Choice and their subsidiary Maple and May incorporates affordable social housing and private rental units all designed to be part of one integrated scheme with shared communal areas, parking and access.

Throughout the visit, the Minister explored the recently constructed apartments, as well as the expansive shared and communal spaces that constitute this pioneering development.

Minister Lyons said:

"As Minister, I am pleased to visit this pioneering project as it nears completion. I have said that we need to be innovative as we seek to address the housing need in our society. In providing high-quality accommodation across a range of tenures – both social housing and private rentals – this scheme is an example of progressive thinking in action. I hope it will have a positive impact on the people who live here, and also the wider community in this area.

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"Projects of this nature are the result of a tremendous amount of work, involving individuals, organisations, communities, and government at various levels. I commend Choice Housing, and indeed all those involved, and wish the incoming residents every happiness in their new homes."

This new housing development is part of a larger £100 million regeneration initiative led by Benmore Octopus. This project includes medical and life sciences accommodations, a multi-storey car park, a central plaza, a creche, as well as retail, café, restaurant and leisure facilities.

With 81 new apartments in total, the mixed tenure development offers 45 1- and 2-bedroom social apartments for over 55s alongside a further 36 apartments for private rent, which will be leased via Maple and May.

Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said,

"We are pleased to welcome Minister Lyons to view this ground-breaking development. Mixed tenure is a strategic priority for Choice and our subsidiary Maple and May, with the focus on offering a range of living options whilst facilitating the opportunity to foster greater social, economic and community cohesion.

"Mixed tenure developments that are adaptable and built within the context of a specific area has the potential of delivering more viable housing options across Northern Ireland. To achieve this, we need a collaborative approach with partners and statutory agencies all working together.

"This new scheme forms part of an exciting and innovative initiative aimed at enhancing this iconic site and the wider surrounding area. The Choice Group is excited to see the wider project progress and we are keen to play a truly regenerative role."

H&J Martin Construction collaborated with Choice and Maple and May to deliver the mixed tenure scheme. With a rich history of transforming iconic sites throughout Northern Ireland, H&J Martin is set to deliver a world-class development upon completion of this project.

The social housing apartments have been constructed to Lifetime Homes standards with all apartments benefitting from Secured by Design 'Gold' accreditation. The development is also served by private parking, internal and external amenity space and a concierge service.