A £29m housing development at the St Patrick's regeneration site in Ballymena, County Antrim, has been completed by lead contractor MJ McBride for Radius Housing.

The scheme delivers 135 new homes, supported by funding from the Department for Communities and Radius Housing, and forms part of the wider transformation of the former military site.

The development provides a mix of 32 apartments, including wheelchair-accessible units, alongside 103 houses. Ten of the homes are available for private rent or sale. In addition to the housing, the project included the creation of a new children's play park.

Speaking at the opening, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "This development of modern, affordable, sustainable and shared homes is a significant step in addressing the housing need which exists in this community. The regeneration of the area will provide not just housing but a community with social infrastructure, new facilities and links to the nearby town centre, making it a great place to live. 

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"At the end of 2024, I launched the Housing Supply Strategy which aims to deliver 100,000 homes over the next 15 years, a third of which will be social housing. To achieve this goal, we need a radical approach to find new ways to increase the number of homes under construction, reduce homelessness and improve housing quality. The successful completion of housing schemes like this one can only be achieved through continuing collaboration, involving individuals, organisations, communities and government at various levels. I commend Radius Housing Association on the successful completion of this development and wish the residents every happiness in their new homes."

Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing Association, added: "This is a really significant regeneration project, led by housing but bringing wide-ranging benefits to the whole community. The construction element, with the employment and apprenticeship opportunities it created, is one important aspect. But Radius is committed to building communities as well as homes, and our team has already been working with the local community, schools and neighbours to ensure that the new development and tenants integrate positively. We hope that the new tenants enjoy many happy years in their new homes."

The wider regeneration of the St Patrick's site is being driven by the Department for Communities. Alongside the new housing, the site will also accommodate a new PSNI building, a leisure and wellbeing centre, an innovation and cleantech hub, as well as civic and public spaces. Collectively, these projects are expected to generate around £160 million of investment, bringing new facilities, jobs and opportunities to the area. A new Northern Regional College campus beside the site is also opening for students this month.