A series of new apartments in a Co Antrim town are "breathing new life" into a formerly vacant unit while helping to address demand for social housing.
Twelve new apartments have been completed by Ballygood Estates in the Governor's Place area of Carrickfergus, and will be used by Radius Housing Association. The new homes mark a step forward in meeting existing demand for social housing in East Antrim.
The new properties, located in a long-neglected site close to Carrickfergus Castle, are modern, energy-efficient two bedroom homes designed for accessible living.
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As well as providing much-needed housing, the project includes two retail units on Main Street which will help boost the local economy and drive footfall into the area.
Speaking on site at the development, Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim, said: “I’m delighted to see these new homes delivered for Radius Housing. Along with much needed social housing, the retail units have the potential to bring new jobs and revitalise the town centre – breathing life into a site that has stood vacant for years in Carrickfergus.”
The scheme also makes a key contribution to the Conservation Area of Carrickfergus and is thoughtfully designed to complement its historic surroundings. Constructed with high-quality materials— including natural slate roof, timber windows and aluminium rainwater goods, the development blends seamlessly into its architectural fabric, enhancing the area’s character and charm.
Communities Minister and East Antrim MLA, Gordon Lyons, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project: "This social housing scheme is a testament to the power of partnership between applicants, the council and key stakeholders. My congratulations to everyone involved and I wish the new residents every happiness in their new homes.”
Ballygood Estates have successfully delivered over 78 new homes in the Carrickfergus area alone. Justin McClay, Director of Ballygood Estates, expressed his pride in the project’s success, commenting: "At Ballygood Estates, our focus is on creating high-quality developments that prioritise and support the needs of the community, so it has been fantastic to see our development at Governors Place take shape over the past few years.
"This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about building a community. We’re proud to deliver a scheme that not only provides new homes but also introduces retail opportunities that will support the long-term regeneration of Carrickfergus Town Centre.”
Radius Housing will manage the new apartments, bringing their extensive experience in providing high-quality homes and support services across Northern Ireland. The organisation will ensure that tenants benefit from well-maintained homes within a vibrant and inclusive community.
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