New life for housing plan

New life for housing plan

16 October 2024

AFTER work on a major social housing scheme stopped in Downpatrick over a year ago, moves are underway to restart the much-needed project at the former Downe Hospital site.

The homes were being built for Clanmil Housing, but the site has remained vacant since the former contractor left last October with the gates to the building site remaining locked.

Clanmil had partnered with Milfort to deliver the public sector housing initiative with work underway on redeveloping the main hospital building and the original infirmary at the rear before it stopped after issues arose between both parties.

A large extension has also been built at the rear of the original hospital but the site has remained dormant with both the social housing provider and local politicians keen to see it restarted.

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.

New homes have already been built at the former Pound Lane health clinic and St Johns’ House residential home sites.

The refurbishment of the main hospital building and the original infirmary in tandem with the other new-build family homes will provide 66 new homes, including 20 apartments specifically designed for active older people.

It has been confirmed this week that new tender documents are currently being drawn up to pave the way for construction work to recommence.

Given the increasing demand for social homes in the Downpatrick area and the number of people classed in the urgent need category, local politicians are keen to see work restart as soon as possible.

They say there is a pressing need for both social and affordable housing options in Downpatrick, that serve the needs of local people and their families, with everyone deserving access to a roof over their head in a comfortable home.

One of them is South Down MLA Colin McGrath, who is disappointed with further delays to the Clanmil development.

He said that having worked with Clanmil and the local community over the past number of years to see the social housing development completed, and having witnessed the construction delays, the  it was disappointing to hear that work has paused yet again.

“A new tender is having to be produced to get the work completed,” he continued. “We know that there are so many people in our society, particularly in South Down, in need of a forever home. 

“There are a number of elderly families with additional needs that would benefit from the housing that would become available at the former hospital site but once again are having to wait to hear when the properties will become available.”

Mr McGrath said Clanmil was working “incredibly hard” to see the construction of the new homes completed and could only reiterate the need for more social housing.

“Housing is one of the number one concerns people have and to that I would add, from a local perspective, completing this work at the old hospital site should help lift the appearance of Downpatrick as well,” he continued.

“There is much work that is required to reinvigorate Downpatrick and housing plays an essential role in that effort.”

Mr McGrath said he hoped the tender process can be completed as quickly as possible and that the building work required at the site will be expedited.

He added: “We have people in need of a home and they simply cannot wait any longer.”