90 homes planned for old Downe site

90 homes planned for old Downe site

21 January 2015

UP to 90 new social homes could be built at the old Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick.

The news comes almost two months after the Recorder exclusively revealed the Pound Lane site had been sold for £600,000.

The identity of the new owner of the sprawling complex — which had been on the market for five years — still has not been made public, but one local politician has revealed part of the old hospital site will be redeveloped to provide new social homes.

Councillor Dermot Curran said it is his understanding the Housing Executive is looking at a number of sites in Downpatrick for new social housing developments, including the old Downe complex.

The “for sale” sign at the former hospital site has been removed and trees at the front of the main building — which enjoys protected status — have been cut back.

Councillor Curran said the former hospital complex, which has been targeted by thieves, vandals and arsonists since it was vacated in June 2009, has become a “blot on the landscape” and welcomed plans for its redevelopment.

“The main buildings that remain at the site have fallen into a particularly poor state of repair and the place is in a sorry state,” he continued.

Concept plans of how the former hospital site could be developed were published several years ago by consultants appointed by the Department of Health and include a mixed housing development, office and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Councillor Curran said if a new housing scheme is given the go-ahead at the former Downe site, it’s important the design is keeping with existing houses at this part of Downpatrick.

“The development of new homes will not only address an increasing need for social homes in the town, but provide the local construction industry and builders’ supplies businesses with a timely boost,” he continued.

“I hope any new homes built at the site will be designed to meet the requirements of young people. Redeveloping the Pound Lane site will help regenerate this part of Downpatrick.”

Councillor Curran said once confirmation of the new homes plan is in place, it will be important the proposal forms part of the planned discussions between roads officials, politicians and the business community on addressing Downpatrick town centre’s traffic flow.

A spokeswoman for the Housing Executive confirmed the organisation regularly assesses housing need and that based on its information for Downpatrick, the projected need to 2019 is 110 social housing units.

“There are several proposals for sites in Downpatrick being considered to help fulfil this need,” she continued.

“The three year Social Housing Development Programme is currently a draft proposal and is with the Department for Social Development for approval by the Minister. Once final approval is received, it will be published on the Housing Executive’s website.”