Work resumes at site of former Downe Hospital

Work resumes at site of former Downe Hospital

5 February 2020

WORK has restarted on a much-needed social housing scheme at the former Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick

Late last year, concern was expressed about the lengthy delay on the eagerly-awaited project to build an initial 37 homes for Clanmil Housing.

Last April, it was claimed that the developer’s subcontractor was waiting on the arrival on site of a specialist piling rig to allow work to continue on a scheme to provide a range of housing types including apartments, two and three storey homes and bungalows.

The former hospital and a building at the rear which was the site of the original Downpatrick Infirmary — which both enjoy protected status — have been incorporated into the development plan as apartment blocks.

Clanmill has partnered with Milfort to develop the new homes with the halt to building work blamed on contractual issues between Milfort and its contractor.

A Clanmill spokeswoman confirmed that the organisation has partnered with Milfort to develop 37 new homes on the site of the former Downe Hospital.

“We are delighted that Milfort’s contractor has recommenced work on site and are looking forward to welcoming families to these new homes before the end of the year,” the spokeswoman added.

Confirmation that contractors are back on site has been welcomed by Downpatrick councillors Dermot Curran and Oonagh Hanlon.

Cllr Curran said there was a lot of concern about the halt to building work on a scheme that would not only provide new social homes, but help kick-start the regeneration of this part of the town.

When the former hospital closed in 2009, demolition work began on the former emergency department and other buildings used by nursing and ambulance service personnel.

As part of this work, the former Pound Lane clinic and St John’s House residential home were razed to the ground to make way for new social housing.

Cllr Curran said the Clanmill scheme can help ease the pressure on Downpatrick’s social housing waiting list and, at the same time, transform a site which for over a decade had sadly become a blot on the landscape.

He added: “We are talking about a huge development site which borders four busy roads. The new homes will bring tenants who will contribute to the local economy which is one the many positives associated with this scheme.

“The redevelopment of the former hospital site will breathe new life into this part of the town, transforming the former hospital site to provide a vibrant housing area.

Cllr Hanlon said she is pleased that work has recommenced and that new tenants are expected to be in their homes by the end of the year.

She said that the new-build will also help free up other Housing Executive stock in the town and surrounding area to help meet the needs of those seeking accommodation, a number of whom are in the urgent need category.

“It is great news that the contractors are back on site,” Cllr Hanlon continued.

“If families can move into new homes by the end of the year not only will it provide much-needed new social housing but free up other public sector housing to try and address the waiting list issue.”

Cllr Hanlon said she hopes that when work on this current phase at the of Downe site is completed that work on the other new homes planned for the sprawling site will get underway.

“It is important to press ahead with this particular development given the level of housing need in the area,” she added.