Work has begun to build 90 homes on the site of the former Park Avenue Hotel in east Belfast.
Behind the development is Choice Housing, one of the Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations, with 63 of the units are designated for social housing and the remainder for private rent through Choice’s subsidiary, Maple and May.
It will include a range of two and three-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments and is expected to be completed by 2024.
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The developer on the project is Lacuna Developments while the contractor is EHA Group and RPP Architects have provided the design work.
Choice said its aim is to provide a project which addresses the demand for affordable housing in East Belfast.
“We recognise the historic importance of this site, and our considered plans will enhance the existing streetscape, create a high-quality development and complement the local built environment,” Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said. “The demand for affordable housing across Northern Ireland is growing, whether this is social or affordable rental / purchase options.
“We, at Choice will continue to demonstrate the wide-ranging benefits of mixed tenure developments which can foster greater social and economic benefits facilitating and supporting thriving sustainable communities.”
Choice provides a mix of supported, sheltered and general needs housing across Northern Ireland, providing over 12,000 homes across the region, with over 5,000 in the Belfast City Council area.
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Mark Gilmore, Construction Director from EHA Group, said mixed tenure developments, such as the Park Avenue site, “are the future”.
“Working alongside Choice and partners we developed a project that offered the best in sustainable housing while paying close attention to its surrounding area”.