Northern Ireland housing association Radius Housing and Londonderry-based contractor EH Allingham Construction (NI) Ltd have officially broken ground on the first phase of a £43 million (€51.2 million) residential development at Hannahstown, West Belfast, as reported by the News Letter.

The first phase will deliver 140 homes on land north of the Glen Road, adjacent to an earlier phase completed by Radius Housing in partnership with Choice Housing. The scheme forms the opening stage of a wider 260-home masterplan and will provide homes for approximately 535 people upon full completion.

Planning approval for the scheme, which comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom properties, was secured in June 2024. Designed around a central green space, the development will include a children's play area, civic space, and specially commissioned public artwork. Completion of the first phase is anticipated in March 2029.

The £43 million investment is supported by £22.6 million (€26.9 million) in grant funding and £20.4 million (€24.3 million) in private investment.

Jordan Allingham, director of EH Allingham (EHA), said: "EHA are proud to be delivering this landmark development in partnership with Radius Housing. Hannahstown is a significant investment in the future of West Belfast, and our team is committed to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that will serve the community. This development reflects EHA Group's commitment to high standards in construction, sustainability and social value. Throughout the project, we will work closely with Radius Housing, local stakeholders and our supply chain to ensure quality and safety targets are achieved, while creating employment opportunities and supporting the local economy."

John McLean, chief executive of Radius Housing, said: "Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of one of the most important housing developments currently underway in Northern Ireland. Hannahstown will provide much-needed high-quality homes for hundreds of people and families in West Belfast, helping to address substantial housing demand while creating a sustainable and inclusive new neighbourhood. Radius's mission is to ensure that people across Northern Ireland can live good lives in their communities, and developments of this scale demonstrate that commitment in action."

McLean added that the scheme had been carefully designed to meet a wide range of housing needs, from families and older people to residents requiring wheelchair-accessible accommodation, and that its environmental credentials, extensive green space, and focus on community wellbeing would create a place where people could thrive for generations.