Crossgar eyesore site to be social housing

Crossgar eyesore site to be social housing

16 November 2016

A DERELICT site in the heart of Crossgar is to be redeveloped to provide much-needed new social housing in the area.

The Downpatrick Street site has been purchased by the Clanmill Housing Group and while the number of new homes it plans to build has yet to be confirmed, it is hoped construction work can start towards the end of next year.

Housing officials are currently progressing plans to develop the large site to provide much-needed new homes to help address housing need in Crossgar and the surrounding area.

Clanmill insists that quality architectural design will ensure the new homes are a “positive addition” to the village, adding vibrancy to a site that has lain vacant for some time. 

In addition, housing officials have also confirmed the new homes will feature high spec energy efficiency measures to make them affordable to run for the families who will live in them.

South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, visited the Downpatrick site last week with Clanmill officials and representatives from the Crossgar Community Association.

Miss Ritchie described the Clanmill proposal as “welcome” and is confident the social housing scheme will address unmet housing need in the area.

“This project will transform a vacant site in the middle of the village, whilst providing secure and affordable new-build homes for those on the housing waiting list,” the MP continued. “This scheme should also benefit the wider community by providing a boost to the local economy through job creation via the construction of these homes.”

Community group chairwoman, Roisin Erskine, described the redevelopment of the Downpatrick Street site as “brilliant news for Crossgar.”

She continued: “There has been a hole in the heart of the village for far too long and the Crossgar Community Association is delighted to see a respected housing association like Clanmil investing in social housing for local people. 

“We look forward to hearing more about its plans for the site and would encourage local residents and businesses to get involved in the community consultation process.”

Clanmill development manager, Jan Sloan, said the organisation is committed to helping meet high demand for good homes in South Down and is delighted to have completed the purchase of this site.

“We have been talking through our plans with local community and political representatives and welcome their support,” she continued.

“We will continue to work with them as our plans progress and, in the meantime, would like to hear from anyone who has an interest in the development and would like to share their views.”

Clanmill has confirmed that subject to securing planning approval, it is hoping construction work at the Downpatrick Street late next year.