New West Belfast Housing Development Approved

The development of 122 new social homes has been approved in west Belfast.

Two of Northern Ireland's leading housing associations, Apex Housing Association (Apex) and Clanmil Housing, welcomed local political and community representatives to the site at Gort na Mona, formerly the St Gerard's Educational Resource Centre, off the Monagh Bypass in west Belfast.

Welcoming the approval of the new development, Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex Housing Association said:

"We are acutely aware of the high demand for quality social housing in west Belfast, and we're proud to work alongside Clanmil to help meet this need. This partnership enables us to deliver 122 much-needed homes that will provide stability and opportunity for local families. Together, we're committed to making a meaningful difference in communities like west Belfast, where safe and affordable housing is in such high demand."

Carol McTaggart, Group Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing, added: "With more than 48,000 people waiting for a social home in Northern Ireland, which includes 4,432 people in west Belfast, we're committed to playing our part in helping to address this urgent need for good homes. We're delighted to be working in partnership with our colleagues in Apex to deliver these much-needed new homes and we are looking forward to handing them over to new residents in October 2026." Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray said: "I'd like to congratulate Apex Housing and Clanmil Housing on their successful partnership which is helping to meet demand for quality social housing. Our Belfast Agenda is about making life better for all our residents and communities – and having a safe, warm home is fundamental to a good quality of life."

Paul Maskey MP for Belfast West commented: "Gort na Mona is the latest in a series of new and much-needed housing developments in west Belfast as we seek to build more social and affordable homes and drive down waiting lists. 122 new homes will be a fantastic addition to this part of our city, and I look forward to seeing this development progress further. Sinn Féin will continue to work with all housing associations to deliver good-quality homes for individuals and families."

The cost of the development is £24m including grant funding of £14.8m from the Department for Communities through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The new homes are due for completion in October 2026 and will include 70 two-bedroom houses, 32 three-bedroom houses 8 two-bedroom CAT1 apartments (for people aged 55 and older), 6 two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible houses, 4 three-bedroom wheelchair-accessible houses and 2 four-bedroom wheelchair-accessible houses.

The homes are being delivered for Apex and Clanmil by The McGinnis Group.