Minister Lyons Officially Opens St Patricks Shared Housing Development in Ballymena

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially opened a new housing development of 135 shared homes at the St Patrick’s regeneration site in Ballymena.

Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing Association with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Dermot McBride from MJ McBride Construction at the opening of the new St Patrick's housing development in Ballymena

The shared housing scheme, funded by the Department for Communities and Radius Housing, is part of a wider regeneration of the former military site, bringing economic and social benefits to Ballymena and surrounding communities.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Lyons said:  

“I am pleased to be opening this transformational project which marks another phase in the ongoing regeneration of the St Patrick’s site. This development of modern, affordable, sustainable and shared homes is a significant step in addressing the housing need which exists in this community.  The regeneration of the area will provide not just housing but a community with social infrastructure, new facilities and links to the nearby town centre, making it a great place to live.

“At the end of 2024, I launched the Housing Supply Strategy which aims to deliver 100,000 homes over the next 15 years, a third of which will be social housing.  To achieve this goal, we need a radical approach to find new ways to increase the number of homes under construction, reduce homelessness and improve housing quality.

“The successful completion of housing schemes like this one can only be achieved through continuing collaboration, involving individuals, organisations, communities and government at various levels. I commend Radius Housing Association on the successful completion of this development and wish the residents every happiness in their new homes.”

Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing Association welcomed the Minister, saying:  

“We are delighted to welcome the new tenants to their homes, and it is important that Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has been able to join us here to officially mark the completion of the new homes at St Patrick’s. This is a really significant regeneration project, led by housing but bringing wide-ranging benefits to the whole community.

“The construction element, with the employment and apprenticeship opportunities it created, is one important aspect. But Radius is committed to building communities as well as homes, and our team has already been working with the local community, schools and neighbours to ensure that the new development and tenants integrate positively. We hope that the new tenants enjoy many happy years in their new homes.”

The regeneration of the St Patrick’s site is led by the Department for Communities and includes residential homes, a new PSNI building and a range of projects being developed by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council including a new leisure and wellbeing centre, innovation and cleantech hub, as well as civic and public spaces.  The new Northern Regional College campus beside the site is opening for students this month.

Notes:

1. Photo caption: Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing Association with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Dermot McBride from MJ McBride Construction at the opening of the new St Patrick's housing development in Ballymena.
2. Department for Communities is leading on the regeneration of the site and it is expected all the projects planned for the site will collectively deliver investment of around £160 million, bringing new homes, new facilities, new jobs & new opportunities.
3. The housing scheme has been delivered by Radius Housing with lead contractor MJ McBride. The scheme consists of 32 apartments, including a number which are wheelchair accessible, and 103 houses, ten of which are for private rent/sale as private homes. The project also includes creation of a new children’s play park.
4. A shared housing scheme is part of the overall Shared Housing Programme (Housing for All) and aims to attract residents from different backgrounds and identities. The programme is a key component of the Executive’s commitment of building a shared society and is crucial to addressing segregation in single identity districts. Such schemes are supported through Good Relations Support funding, to develop and deliver a five-year Good Relations Plan.