Pictured at the Beersbridge Road development are (front row L-R) Elmgrove Primary School pupils Jay Nicholson and Miriam Young with (back row) Cllr Jim Rodgers; Beverly McCallen and Michael  McDonnell, Choice Housing;  Jan Jeffers, Elmgrove Primary School Principle; Ian Elliott and Mabel Stevenson; tenants at nearby Elmgrove Manor; and Robert Moore, Vice Chair at Choice Housing.

Choice Housing has started construction on a new £1.5 million housing development in East Belfast.

The nine-unit scheme will create a mix of two and three bedroom homes and two apartments on land adjoining Elmgrove Primary School on the Beersbridge Road.  Pupils from the school helped cut the first sod on the development which is expected to be completed within 12 months.

The new homes were supported by an investment from the Department for Communities with additional private finance provided by the Choice Housing.

Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing said: “This project is one of many new developments we are embarking on this year across Northern Ireland. It is great to see new housing breathing life back into a site that has laid derelict for too long. This is further boost to East Belfast and efforts to reduce housing waiting lists.

“There is a feel good factor on the Beersbridge Road and we are making the most of the links and partnerships to further support positive change. We look forward to welcoming tenants into the new homes next year and playing a greater part among an exciting and vibrant community.”

The new homes were designed by McGirr Architects with construction work being completed by QMAC Construction.

Choice is one of the largest independent housing associations in Northern Ireland. The high quality homes, care and support services we provide help meet the diverse needs of a wide range of customers including; older people, families, mature singles and people with complex needs.

The Choice Services Centre recently celebrated receiving their 750,000th caller. To mark this significant milestone for the Services Centre, Carol Ervine; Group Director of Tenant and Client Services, Martin Murphy; Services Centre Team Leader and Corey Rogers; Services Centre Advisor presented Mr Hamill with £100 shopping vouchers.

Choice Services Centre continues to grow from strength to strength and last year our Services Centre received 142,000 calls to help resolve tenants repair and housing requests quickly and effectively. Excellent customer service remains a key priority for Choice and last year our tenants rated the high standard of call advisors with a satisfaction level of 93%.