Names put forward for new Downe housing developments

Names put forward for new Downe housing developments

3 March 2021

DEVELOPERS behind a major new social housing complex at the old Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick have put forward suggested names for the scheme.

Clanmill Housing is building 103 new homes at the huge site which was recently targeted by arsonists, sparking a major response from the emergency services.

The suggested name for homes that will be constructed at the former St John’s House site within the old Downe which have been forwarded to Newry, Mourne and Down Council for approval is St John’s Mews.

It is also proposed that three other housing areas within the former hospital complex will be known as Downe Heights, Downe Avenue and Downe Close.

A new access road will be constructed linking Downe Avenue with the Ardglass Road as part of the social housing proposal.

Downpatrick area councillor Dermot Curran has welcomed the suggested names which reflect the presence of the former residential home and the old hospital.

But he has reservations about a new access to the site created at the busy Ardglass Road, close to the junction of the Killough Road.

“The access was clearly part of the planning application for what is a much-needed social housing scheme which will assist with the social and economic regeneration of this part of the town,” he said. “The new junction is one that I would have reservations about once all the homes have been completed and residents move in.”

Cllr Curran said while the former hospital site was left vacant for many years after the Downe closed and relocated to a new multi-million pound complex at the Struell Road on the outskirts of the town, its current regeneration is particularly welcome at the sprawling site which borders the Ardglass Road, John Street, Pound Lane and the Killough Road.

A range of new homes are being built including apartments — which will be contained within the former main hospital buildings which enjoy protected status — two and three storey homes and bungalows.

Cllr Curran said while a number of residents have moved in to homes built at the site of the former Pound Lane health clinic, it is hoped that residents will soon be occupying homes nearing completion at an area that was once the old hospital’s accident and emergency department, medical records offices and former nurses’ homes.

“It is great to see how much progress has been made at the housing development which is helping transform this part of Downpatrick,” he said.

“Hopefully, many of those on the waiting list for a new home will soon be in modern accommodation. A few years ago the former hospital site was an eyesore but it is slowly being transformed which is excellent news.”

Cllr Curran said he believes John Street residents will also welcome work on the new social housing complex which will help regenerate this part of the town.

He added: “The new housing development has given a derelict site that was once an eyesore a new lease of life and also provided Downpatrick town centre with a timely boost. 

“Post Covid, more residents will increase footfall which is welcome news for the business community.”