First Beechmount Village handover set for April

WORD that the first cohort of houses at Beechmount Village – built on the old Adria site in the town – are due to be handed over in April, has been widely welcomed.

The first phase of construction on the mixed-housing development began back in February 2022 by Derry-based Company the Kevin Watson Group.

It initially expected that the first phase was to be handed over last spring; however problems surrounding the placing of an electrical substation over a sewer had caused a setback, with a another deadline set for September of last year. That deadline also came and went but it seems now that the issues have been resolved.

When completed, the housing, which will consist of 150 residential units comprising of 77 houses, 73 apartments and 8 non-social housing units and these will be handed over to Habinteg Housing Association for allocation.The site is anticipated to be completed by year’s end.

Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh has welcomed the confirmation, saying, “Following further contact with Habinteg seeking a progress update on 158 new social housing units at the former Adria site, I welcome confirmation from the housing association stating that an issue with NI Water was resolved in late December. That means Habinteg will be allocating from February/March time.

“The completion and allocation of homes in this development is widely anticipated. It represents the largest social housing development in Strabane for a generation and will go some way to redressing the social housing waiting list in this area and in particular help to alleviate the plight of those in acute housing stress.”

A spokesperson for Habinteg Housing Association added, “We’re delighted to move closer to the handover of phase one of Beechmount Village in Strabane. The development will provide vital housing to Strabane and help to meet the social housing need within the area.

“This first phase is targeted for handover this spring/summer, with further phases of the former Adria site following over the next year. Phase one consists of 24 social homes which includes a mix of wheelchair accessible bungalows and general needs houses and apartments. Our development is close to schools and local amenities and will be suitable for tenants with a wide variety of needs. We look forward to welcoming our new tenants to their new homes.”