Work to resume at old Downe site

Work to resume at old Downe site

9 April 2025

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 over 17 months ago where 66 new homes are being provided in a scheme being delivered by Clanmil Housing and Milfort.

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

Work was underway on redeveloping the main hospital building — which had a large extension added –  and the original infirmary at the rear before it stopped after issues arose between the contractors.

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.

A tender process to secure a new building contractor has now been completed and it’s anticipated that building work will recommence shortly after Easter.

Clanmil and local politicians have been eager 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 had 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.

Housing Executive figures published last August revealed 525 were in the waiting list for social housing in Downpatrick, with 430 classed in the urgent need category.

And while new public sector homes continue to be built in Downpatrick and other parts of the district, housing chiefs admit that the gap between demand and supply continues to widen.

Local politicians have welcomed news that building work is to restart at the former hospital site following such a lengthy delay which has resulted in parts of the main hospital building — which had been sealed — now left exposed to the elements due to recent storms which battered the district.

Politicians say there is a pressing need for social homes across the district to meet the needs of local families and are looking to social housing providers to deliver good quality, affordable homes.

They argue everyone deserves to have access to a good quality house to make a home and that parts of the former hospital site which have already been developed have made had a positive impact in the area.

Politicians say continued development is key to not only providing homes, but assisting with the social and economic regeneration of this part of Downpatrick.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason and local councillor Oonagh Hanlon have welcomed confirmation that work on the Clanmil scheme is to restart.

Mrs Mason said it is hoped the first phase will start after Easter and be completed by Christmas.

“This work is long overdue, but it will be very welcome news for our community, as this allocation is set to focus on people and families with complex needs,” she said.

Cllr Hanlon said she was pleased building work is to recommence.

“The investment is not only creating new homes and helping to meet a pressing need, but it is making a major contribution to this part of Downpatrick which is being regenerated,” she continued.

“This is a major social housing project and is particularly welcome.”