Work to progress on £2.2million facility this year

THE £2.2million supported living facility at Strabane’s Curly Hill will proceed this year, after suffering delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Initially announced in 2018, plans for the new facility include “high quality homes to help tackle the challenges people with a learning disability face in finding a home.”

The new development, which will be based at what is known as ‘the Gentleman’s Residence’ on the Curly Hill, is a co-development between Mencap, Golden Lane Housing and the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Barry McMenamin, regional operations manager for Mencap NI explained, “Construction of the Mencap NI supported living development at the Curly Hill Road in Strabane, for people with a learning disability, continues as planned.

“There was some delays in the past year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The development will provide much needed care, support, short breaks and respite services for people with a learning disability and their families in the Strabane area.”

Although declining to say when work would commence, John Verge, chief executive at Golden Lane Housing said, “I am really pleased that Golden Lane Housing will be progressing this project in partnership with Mencap this year to meet the   housing need for people  with a learning disability.”

Mencap’s vision is that the Curly Hill facility will offer a mix of attractive, spacious, and accessible housing and short break accommodation that will make the most of its garden and woodland surroundings.

Local Sinn Féin councillor, Michaela Boyle added, “I am delighted to report that following discussions this week with Mencap and Golden Lane Housing, that their design team is working on the finalised plans and their hope is to start work on site in September once the nesting season is over.

“These plans will transform the old Gentleman’s Residence on the Curly Hill road into supported living housing for those with a learning disability. There will also be short break facilities amongst other services.”