Pathway Borough Social Housing

Northern Ireland is facing an unprecedented social housing crisis, with record-high waiting lists and thousands of families in need of homes. The Housing Supply Strategy, published last year, aims to tackle this issue by setting an ambitious target of delivering 33,000 new social homes over the next 15 years. Housing Associations are playing a pivotal role in this initiative, though experts argue that even more homes are required to meet the growing demand.

Seamus Leheny, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA), emphasized the importance of aligning government funding and infrastructure solutions with these housing goals. He also highlighted the benefits of high building standards and retrofitting, calling for a dedicated Housing Decarbonisation Fund similar to those in other parts of the UK and Ireland.

Here are five significant social housing developments in Northern Ireland scheduled for completion in 2025:

1. Craigmore View, Newry (255 Units)

  • Details: Apex Housing Association is developing 255 properties, including 49 apartments and 206 houses.
  • Features: Built to “Lifetime Home and Secured by Design” standards, with double glazing, gas heating, and self-contained gardens.
  • Location: Near Fiveways Service Station, Damolly Retail Park, Newry Train Station, and Daisy Hill Hospital.

2. Black’s Gate, Belfast (196 Units)

  • Details: Radius Housing Association is creating 244 homes, with 196 designated for social housing and the rest for affordable housing.
  • Features: A mix of apartments, family homes, and wheelchair-accessible properties.
  • Location: Former Visteon car manufacturing site near the M1 motorway.

3. Mincora Drive, Carrickfergus (146 Units)

  • Details: Choice Housing’s £20 million project will house over 500 people in 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes, including wheelchair-accessible options.
  • Location: Former Courtaulds textiles factory site, northwest of Carrickfergus Town Centre.
  • Comments: Chief Executive Michael McDonnell noted the growing population of Carrickfergus and the importance of road infrastructure for the development.

4. Ballinderry Road, Lisburn (120 Units)

  • Details: Apex Housing’s project includes 90 two- and three-bedroom homes, 6 complex needs bungalows, and apartments for over-55s.
  • Community Involvement: Extensive consultation with local residents informed the design.
  • Completion Timeline: 2025/26.

5. Gasworks, Belfast (94 Units)

  • Details: Radius Housing’s development features 60 houses and 34 apartments, ranging from 2- to 4-bedroom homes.
  • Location: Adjacent to Stewart Street and Raphael Street, linking to the Gasworks site.
  • Significance: Represents the last opportunity for regeneration in the Gasworks area.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

With more than 1.5 million households on social housing waiting lists and rising construction costs, these developments are a vital step toward alleviating the crisis. However, as NIFHA’s Seamus Leheny pointed out, achieving these targets requires robust financial investment and infrastructure planning. Collaboration between government and housing associations will be essential to provide secure, affordable, and high-quality homes for those in need.

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