Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Ltd have been involved in the development and management of housing schemes throughout Northern Ireland. RPP have enjoyed working with Habinteg on a number of quality developments in recent years and were successfully awarded this project though a detailed design competition.
First ‘virtual’ planning decision.
The proposal was to provide a residential-led mixed use development, comprising of 158 residential units in a mix of dwellings and apartments of mixed tenure. Community facilities, office start-up units have been designed to provide a ‘gateway’ to the development fronting Beechmount Avenue. The apartments and community element have been designed with an industrial aesthetic linking back to the former use on site. Materials selected include buff facing brick with brick detailing, fibre cement cladding & timber effect panelling. A new open space area with playground facilities is incorporated into the scheme and provides a vital link through the site.
The scheme achieved planning approval via a virtual planning committee meeting for Derry City & Strabane Council. A unanimous decision for approval by all Councillors, the scheme was praised for its ‘high quality’ design and described as ‘one of the best social housing development applications to be submitted’ to the Council.
The redevelopment of the former Adria factory site is a much needed ‘welcome’ to the Strabane Area. Providing necessary accommodation for people on the social housing waiting list and will contribute to employment in the area, which is a timely boost to the local economy during these uncertain times.
Work is expected onsite in the coming months.
