Downe work set to resume

Downe work set to resume

3 January 2024

WORK is expected to resume shortly on one of the biggest ever social housing schemes in Downpatrick.

Construction workers left the former Downe Hospital site several months ago and shortly before Christmas scaffolding was taken down and storage units were removed. Construction equipment was previously taken away.

Last October, the Recorder revealed that work had stopped at the site where 66 new homes are being provided in a scheme being delivered by Clanmil Housing and Milfort.

New homes have already been built at the former Pound Lane health clinic and St John’s House residential home sites, with work underway on redeveloping the main hospital building and the original infirmary at the rear before it stopped after issues arose between Milfort and its building contractor.

This  also led to work stopping on a large extension built at the rear of the original hospital.

The refurbishment of the old hospital and former infirmary — both of which enjoy protected status — is the second phase of the redevelopment scheme at the sprawling site bordered by Pound Lane, John Street and the Killough and Ardglass roads.

Clanmil has confirmed that a tender process by Millfort to secure a new building contractor is nearing completion and it’s anticipated that building work will recommence early in the New Year.

Clanmil and local politicians are keen to see building work recommence as soon as possible at the site where the refurbishment of both former hospital buildings, in tandem with the construction of new-build family homes, will provide 66 new homes, including 20 apartments specifically designed for active older people.

The housing association has been working closely with Millfort to encourage the contractor to find what it described as an “urgent solution” that will ensure the homes are delivered quickly for families who need them.

A Clanmil spokeswoman confirmed in a statement that it has partnered with Milfort to develop much-needed new homes on the site.

“A tender process by Millfort to secure a new building contractor is nearing completion and we anticipate that work will recommence in early 2024,” she added.

News that building work had been halted comes after it was revealed last year that there were 483 people on the waiting list for social homes in Downpatrick, with 350 in the so-called urgent need category. 

Confirmation of moves to recommence building work has been welcomed by Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin, who said he hopes the issues can be resolved.

He said the work that has been completed to date has provided a number of much-needed new social homes.

Cllr Sharvin, who is hoping to meet with Clanmil to discuss a number of “challenges” at the site, said it was vitally important that matters are resolved quickly to help address the acute housing needs in the area. 

“Currently, there are over 450 people on the housing waiting list in Downpatrick and this number will continue to increase as the private housing sector sees increased rental charges,” he said.

“The development at the former Downe Hospital site has already had a positive impact on housing needs locally and transformed this part of the town. 

“But the continued development is essential to provide a home for those most in urgent need and contribute to the transformation of the area.”

Cllr Sharvin said everything possible needs to be done to meet the housing needs of those on the waiting list for new, affordable homes, not just in Downpatrick, but across the district.

“Work to appoint a new contractor is good news and I hope it won’t be long before builders are back on site to help with this much-needed social housing scheme which is a critical component if Downpatrick;’s social and economic regeneration.