Work set to resume at old Downe

Work set to resume at old Downe

24 April 2019

BUILDING work on a new social housing project at the old Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick is due to resume in the near future.

Contractors moved off site a few weeks ago after laying foundations for a number of new homes which 

are being built on behalf of Clanmill Housing.

An initial 37 homes are being built part as part of a major social housing project at the site where around 100 new homes could eventually be constructed.

While concern has recently been expressed locally about the halt to construction work at the site, 

Clanmill has explained that there is a valid reason.

The social housing provider said it is aware that work at the sprawling town centre site — which borders four main roads — has ceased for a short period of time.  

“The developer’s subcontractor is awaiting the arrival on site of a piling rig to allow work to continue,” she explained.

“We appreciate the continued support and patience of local residents as construction continues and are looking forward to welcoming families to the first phase of the development later in the year as planned.”

The redevelopment of the former hospital site includes a range of housing types including apartments, two and three storey homes and bungalows.

It’s understood that the former hospital and canteen building behind it, which are both listed buildings, have been incorporated into the development plan as apartment blocks. 

The main entrance into the former hospital complex, off Pound Lane, will remain, while it’s understood that a new entrance is also proposed on the Ardglass Road side of the old Downe site.

Downpatrick councillor, Dermot Curran, is pleased that the suspension to building work is only temporary.

“The redevelopment of the former hospital site will go some way to reducing the number of people on the waiting list for social homes in Downpatrick,” he said.

“The Clanmill project is an eagerly awaited development. Not only will it provide much-needed new homes, but greatly assist with the social and economic regeneration of this particular part of the town. People are eager to see the first tenants move into their new homes and the transformation of this particular site.”

Cllr Curran said he is also pleased that tenants could be in their new homes later in the year.

“We have a number of people on the waiting list for social housing who are classed in the urgent need category. They will no doubt be eagerly monitoring the progress of building work at the old Downe complex,” he continued.

Cllr Curran added: “Having viewed plans for the redevelopment of the entire site, I can say that they are particularly impressive and will transform what had become a blot on the landscape into a vibrant, and much-needed social housing development.”