One of the largest social housing schemes ever undertaken has been approved. The project will see a new £25 million housing scheme in west Belfast, with 166 new homes being built.  

Building will start in March 2010 and is expected to take just over two years to complete, finishing in September 2012. The project will be funded by The Department for Social Development who will provide £17.7m of funding for the development through a Housing Association Grant, with the rest, £7.5m contributed by Clanmil Housing Association through private financing.

The site will provide affordable family homes and apartments, built to a high standard in an area where housing is much needed. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome this major investment for west Belfast. New housing here will make major inroads into waiting lists and stimulate the drive forward to physical and environmental regeneration that has been so long desired in this part of the city. I look forward to seeing work on the site get under way.”

Ms Ritchie wants this scheme to help the unemployed find work, she said: “Last month, I announced the potential to create a new neighbourhood in west Belfast, based around the Glen Road. This new mixed use development, which includes office and retail accommodation and employment opportunities, is exactly what is needed to help make this new neighbourhood a reality.”

The housing will be 25 per cent more efficient than before, being built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.