NEWS
Build Homes NI, which represents Northern Ireland’s largest house builders, has warned new home buyers and renters to expect higher costs and less choice amid the region’s WARNING ISSUED OVER HOME BUYERS BEING PRICED OUT OF MARKET
escalating housing crisis. With lack of investment in wastewater infrastructure
Topping out of the new DVA Test Centre.
FIRST PHASE COMPLETED AT £13.5M DVA TEST CENTRE IN MALLUSK
making it increasingly difficult to connect new homes to the sewerage network, NI’s 11 largest house builders expect the overall number of approved housing units in their development pipelines to decrease by as much as 30%. The warning was included in Build Homes NI’s response to the Department for Infrastructure’s consultation on Developers Contributions for Wastewater, which it said would further reduce housing supply, increase costs and price new buyers out of the market. Paul McErlean, Director, Build Homes NI, said, “NI Water is now warning that it may not have enough funds to enhance its clean water assets and that NI could be facing a permanent wastewater crisis.” Build Homes NI’s founding members include Alskea, Antrim Construction, Beechview Developments, Braidwater Group, Fraser Partners, Hagan Homes, Lagan Homes, Lotus Homes and McGinnis Group. www.buildhomesni.com
Henry Brothers has reached a milestone with the topping out of its £13.5m Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) Test Centre and administrative building at Mallusk. Representatives from Henry Brothers and DVA were present at the topping-out ceremony, which signifies completion of the building’s structural framework and paves the way for the next phases of development. David Henry, Managing Director at Henry Brothers, said, “Future-proofed to support evolving industry needs, it will provide cutting-edge testing capabilities and reinforce our reputation for excellence.
“As we progress towards completion, Henry Brothers remains committed to delivering a modern, forward-thinking facility that will serve the public and the economy for many years to come.” Henry Brothers is delivering the project in collaboration with WSP, Gregory Architects, Semple McKillop and Design ID, with the Centre expected to be completed in autumn 2025. Henry Brothers Construction has, meanwhile, been selected to deliver a new £25m Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire. www.henrybrothers.co.uk
CREEVAGH HEIGHTS WINS TOP REGIONAL PLANNING AWARD
A social housing project delivered by P&K McKaigue Ltd for Radius Housing Association, Creevagh Heights, has won the Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland Award for Planning Excellence. Judges said the 119-unit project provides an outstanding large housing scheme and is an excellent example of collaborative working. The £17m development includes a range of housing typologies, including 16 complex-
needs units carefully designed by Hall Black Douglas architects to respond to the steep topography and stunning vistas. Brick and board panelling in complementary colour palettes give a cohesive, almost Scandinavian feel. Comprising 95 timber-frame houses and 24 masonry-built apartments, the project features creative, well-planned hard and soft landscaping areas. Project winners also included Clooney Terrace Cannon Site, Ross Street Mews and a commendation for Portaferry Public Realm. Clyde Shanks won the award for Mid-size Planning Consultancy, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as Planning Authority of the Year, and Sophie Burch was named NI Young Planner of the Year. www.pkmckaigue.com
Creevagh Heights includes 95 timber-frame houses.
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