Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the handover of 196 new social homes at the landmark Blacks Gate development in Dunmurry, describing it as one of Northern Ireland's largest recent social housing schemes.

The Department's contribution to the social housing element totalled £15.3 million, including £14.3 million provided through Housing Association Grant.

During a visit to the scheme, Minister Lyons said: "Modern developments like Blacks Gate address social housing need and provide people with safe, secure homes. They also demonstrate my commitment to supporting vibrant, stronger, and more sustainable communities.

"Despite a challenging financial context, I am committed to increasing the supply of social and affordable housing for hard-pressed people and families across Northern Ireland.

"That is why I allocated a record £210million to the 2025/26 Social Housing Development Programme. This investment resulted in the commencement of 1,765 new social homes last year, an increase of 261 new social homes on the previous year."

Led by Radius Housing, Blacks Gate is a mixed-tenure neighbourhood combining social housing with 26 affordable Co-Ownership homes and 22 private properties. The development offers a range of options, including family homes, apartments, bungalows and specialist wheelchair-accessible accommodation.

Originally a car manufacturing site beside the M1 off Blacks Road, the land had stood empty since 2009. It has now been transformed into a neighbourhood of 244 homes for almost 1,000 people, with landscaped green space and recreational facilities. Minister Lyons added: "Blacks Gate is already making a real difference to people's lives, and it is about far more than the homes themselves. It is about helping individuals and families put down roots, build their future and become part of a thriving community.

"Every new home delivered is another step forward in tackling housing need. It creates opportunities, strengthens communities and ensures more people across Northern Ireland have access to a safe, secure and affordable place to call home."

Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing, said: "Blacks Gate demonstrates the vital role housing associations can play in unlocking complex sites that might otherwise remain undeveloped. It is a powerful example of partnership in action, with support from the Department for Communities, the local community, contractors, consultants and many others helping to make this development possible.

"What was once a vacant and challenging former industrial site has been transformed into a thriving neighbourhood, providing much-needed homes for almost 1,000 people.

"The real success of Blacks Gate is reflected in the community that has grown here. Families are settled into their homes and a site once associated with dereliction has been transformed into a place where people can live, thrive and build their futures."

Mark Graham, Chief Executive of Co-Ownership, said: "Mixed tenure developments have become an important route for giving our customers access to new build homes that they might otherwise be unable to buy. We are pleased to be working with Radius Housing at Blacks Gate, helping to deliver more affordable homes."