25/01/2011

Green Light For Contentious City Apartments

Although he previously stepped aside temporarily from his post as the NI Policing Board Chairman - as police investigated allegations of wrongful practice - Big Picture Developments Ltd director Barry Gilligan has been given the go-ahead to build apartments at a controversial Nelson Street site in the north side of Belfast city centre.

Originally, the land had been designated for social housing, but under the conditions of the planning approval, 20% of the apartments will instead be designated for social housing.

It was said that Mr Gilligan acquired the site in controversial circumstances having been originally asked to offer advice to a community group, which wanted to build 66 social housing units on the site.

In March 2010, the NI Housing Executive asked police to investigate its involvement with the Nelson Street site.

Last year, Mr Gilligan, who denied any wrongdoing, said he would not resume his role at the Policing Board until a police investigation had ended.

The new development at Nelson Steet will consist of 238 one and two-bedroomed apartments with 200 parking spaces on ground and first floor levels.

(BMcC/GK)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 September 2011
Housing Minister 'Marks' Home Opening
A new £2.2m housing scheme for active older people has been officially opened in Newtownards.
17 May 2011
Dublin Builders Get Social Housing Boost
Dublin is to get much needed social housing with news that a public housing development is to be built in the city. The public-private partnership (PPP) scheme will be the first since the collapse of the scheme in 2008.
05 March 2010
Housing Association Achieves Excellence
One of Northern Ireland's largest housing associations has been presented with its Customer Service Excellence Standard. Helm Housing (previously BIH Housing) is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, which was presented by Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie.
24 October 2011
NI Social Housing Secures £65m Boost
Social housing in Northern Ireland is set to benefit from a £65m boost as a result of a funding partnership between Clanmil Housing and Northern Bank.
07 July 2011
Builders Get Major House Building Boost
A substantial Co Antrim housing scheme has been launched this week proving much needed good news for the beleaguered construction sector. Stormont Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has officially started the new £18.5m family housing development in Lisburn.