Work at Downe Hospital homes is welcomed

Work at Downe Hospital homes is welcomed

23 October 2024

NEWS that work on a new social housing scheme in Downpatrick could restart early in the New Year has been welcomed by local politicians.

The homes at the former Downe Hospital site are 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.

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.

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

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.

Tender documents are currently being drawn up to pave the way for construction work to recommence with the news welcomed by South Down MLA Cathy Mason and Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon.

Mrs Mason said Sinn Féin has consistently called for the delivery of the vital homes to meet the growing demand and support the most vulnerable.

“We remain committed to working with those in housing need, offering practical support to ensure that case files, points systems, and applications are kept up-to-date and fully reflect the urgency of their situation,” she said.

“We will continue to engage with housing authorities and other relevant bodies to ensure this project moves forward without delay, providing much-needed homes for our community.”

Mrs Mason said she looks forward to further updates and will work tirelessly to see this development through to completion, delivering homes that will “make a real difference to the lives of those in need”.

Cllr Hanlon said the announcement of a new tender process “brings fresh hope” for construction of much-needed new homes to Downpatrick to commence in early 2025. 

“This is a significant development after a long period of inactivity and we are pleased to see momentum building to address the critical housing needs in the area,” she continued.

“The need for single lets and adaptable lifetime homes has never been more pressing, with many local families and individuals waiting for suitable, long-term housing solutions.”

Given the increasing demand for social homes in the Downpatrick area and the number of people classed in the urgent need category, a number of local politicians are keen to see work at the former hospital site 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.