A special sod-cutting event has marked the commencement of construction work on a new £5 million housing development in Newtownards, County Down.

Alpha Housing, in conjunction with award-winning builder Dunlop Homes Ltd, are behind the Quarry Heights development which will provide future tenants with a varied mix of modern family homes and accessible bungalows.

Alpha Housing's Chief Executive, Cameron Watt, said: "With a good mix of family homes and accessible bungalows, I have no doubt Quarry Heights will valuably contribute to meeting housing needs in Ards, and play an important part in contributing to a thriving local community."

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Shaw Montgomery, the Director of Dunlop Homes Limited, added: "The project includes solar panels to reduce tenants' energy bills and to reduce carbon emissions. During construction of this development, Dunlop Homes will provide local employment opportunities and support apprenticeships."

When work is completed in early 2027, there will be a total of 22 homes, comprising 12, three-person, two-bedroom houses; three, four-person, two-bedroom houses; and four, five-person, three-bedroom houses. There will also be a five-person, three-bedroom bungalow and two, three-person bungalows that will be wheelchair accessible to aid independent living for people with physical disabilities.

The project has been made possible thanks to Department for Communities (DfC) support, which is providing grant funding of £2.6 million through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

Local politicians, including the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Victoria Moore, attended the sod-cutting event.

Deputy Mayor Moore said: "This development will create range of homes, including a mix of accessible housing, that will serve the needs of our community. I look forward to seeing the completion of Quarry Heights and I wish all future tenants happiness in their new homes."