It comes as Apex Housing Association continues its development of 111 properties, with six of the new homes classified as ‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ (NZEB). “We are over the moon with our new house,” says Alana McClean on her three-bedroom home. She has been waiting two years for a house with a third bedroom to accommodate her youngest son who has additional healthcare needs.
“We have an extra bedroom and a downstairs wet room for Joshua, which really will make his life better and make such a difference to us as a family. “I was taken aback when I realised how different this house was, with underfloor heating, heat pump and solar panels. It’s amazing to see social housing being built to this standard.
” The development of Hopefield Avenue has seen the former Newtownabbey High School grounds, vacant since 2015, transformed into a community of 76 houses and 35 apartments. Alongside six NZEB homes, the development will see 11 homes purpose built for families with complex needs, while part of the site has been set aside for people over 55, with private balconies and access to a communal garden. Hopefield Avenue has been supported by a £10.
6m Housing Association Grant funding from the Department for Communities and an £8.5m private finance investment by Apex. The remainder of the 111 homes are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Social housing at Hopefield will continue to be allocated in phases using the Housing Selection Scheme Waiting List. Anyone .