Minister welcomes £22m social housing scheme in Strabane

THE Communities minister has welcomed a £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane.

This development on the Old Adria Factory site in Beechmount Avenue is funded by £11.7million Housing Association Grant from the Department for Communities along with private financing from Habinteg Housing Association.

It will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children’s playpark.

Deirdre Hargey says the scheme will help address the need for housing within the town.

The department says the scheme will also benefit from high quality open space, landscaping and will make a positive contribution to the streetscape of this area of Strabane.

Speaking during a visit to the site, Minister Hargey said: “Delivering more social housing to areas most in need is central to my programme of housing reform.

“The 150 social homes which will be constructed here in at the Old Adria Factory site, will go a long way to meet the housing needs of the Strabane area and help reduce housing stress.”

She added, “The mix of family apartments and houses, coupled with apartments for active older people, will help create a real community feel to the development.”

Darren McKinney, Chief Executive at Habinteg Housing Association said, “We are of course honoured to be joined by the Minister for Communities today to mark the first phase of construction at Beechmount Village.

“This new community has been specifically designed to exactly meet the social housing needs of this area of Strabane and will include homes for the over 55s, bungalows and affordable houses for families.”