Radius Housing recently welcomed Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to Blacks Gate, Dunmurry, to celebrate the completion of one of the largest social housing schemes delivered in Northern Ireland in recent years.

The mixed-tenure project has turned the former Visteon manufacturing site into a thriving neighbourhood, delivering 244 homes for almost 1,000 people. The scheme comprises 196 social homes delivered by Radius Housing, 26 affordable homes through Co-Ownership and 22 private properties.

During the visit, the Minister met Radius representatives and saw first-hand the scale and impact of the development, which is providing much-needed housing in an area of significant demand.

Blacks Gate offers a broad mix of homes, including family houses, apartments, bungalows and specialist wheelchair-accessible accommodation, helping to meet the needs of a wide range of households.

-- Advertisement --

Supported by £15.3 million in funding from the Department for Communities, the project represents a major regeneration success story. Standing vacant since 2009, the former industrial site has been transformed into a sustainable community with landscaped open space and recreational facilities for residents.

Speaking at the site, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons underlined the role of developments like Blacks Gate in tackling housing need and strengthening communities across Northern Ireland.

Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing, said: "Blacks Gate demonstrates the vital role housing associations can play in unlocking complex sites and delivering high-quality homes where they are needed most. Through strong partnership working, a former vacant industrial site has been transformed into a thriving neighbourhood providing homes for almost 1,000 people.

"The real success of Blacks Gate is reflected in the community that has grown here. Families have settled into their new homes and what was once a derelict site has become a place where people can live, thrive and build their futures."

John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing, welcomed the Minister's visit and the opportunity to showcase the positive impact of the development.

He said: "We were pleased to welcome Minister Lyons to Blacks Gate and to highlight the difference this development is making for individuals and families. Developments of this scale require significant collaboration and investment, and Blacks Gate is a strong example of what can be achieved through successful partnership working.

"Providing high-quality, affordable homes remains at the heart of Radius Housing's mission, and we are proud to see this once-vacant site transformed into a thriving community."