ALPHA Housing and Dunrich Properties have launched a £2.2 million construction project that will deliver 14 much needed homes for independent older people in east Belfast by the end of next year.
The development is being enabled with £1.4m in Department for Communities grant through the Housing Executive, with the balance of funding provided by the Alpha housing association.
Situated on Barnetts Road near the Stormont Hotel, the scheme will be incorporate the ‘HAPPI’ principles, which provide a blueprint for high-quality housing for people in later life.
Features of the new Belfast scheme will include generous internal space, maximum use of natural light, and a design that incorporates trees and shrubs to enhance the local environment. Residents will also benefit from the convenient location close to local amenities and transport links, including the Glider bus service.
Louise Warde Hunter, head of housing at the Department for Communities, said: "Older people are now seeking a wider range of housing options for their later years. This scheme will fulfil these aspirations for 14 households, as well as helping meet social housing need in Belfast."
Alpha Housing chairman John Clarke added: "We're proud to be helping pioneer a new generation of housing for older people this Barnetts Road project. We believe there is a huge unmet need for spacious and attractive homes of this type."
