New housing association scheme is officially opened in Cullybackey

Less than two years after work started on Alpha Housing’s £4.4m project in the heart of Cullybackey, the first tenants have received the keys to their new homes.

In September 2024, the first sod was cut on the scheme, which has transformed a once derelict piece of scrubland into a fresh focal point for the bustling County Antrim village.

Comprising 24 homes, four of the development’s apartments have been specifically designed for wheelchair users.

Blending one- and two-bedroom apartments for independent older people as well as for working age people, the build’s appeal is enhanced by its proximity to local shops and amenities, as well as local bus and rail services.

An attractive, contemporary building, construction was completed by Mainline Contracts and DB Contracts, to a design by Michael Whitley Architects.

The project is part of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s (NIHE) Social Housing Development Programme. £3.1m of government funding was provided by the Department for Communities (DfC) with £1.3m invested by Alpha Housing.

On hand to help welcome the first tenants to their new homes were the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford; Paul Frew MLA and Timothy Gaston MLA and local councillors.

“We are delighted to welcome the first tenants to this fantastic new development in the centre of Cullybackey,” said Cameron Watt, Alpha Housing Chief Executive. “This scheme reflects Alpha Housing’s ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality, accessible homes that meet the needs of older people, people with disabilities and the wider community.

“Handing over keys to new residents is a proud moment for everyone involved, and a testament to the strong partnership working that made this exciting project possible.

“Right from the outset, our focus has been on creating a development that is inclusive, well connected and fit for the future, with homes designed to support independent living while remaining close to local services and all-important transport links,” he continued.

“We are extremely grateful to our partners, including the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the design and construction teams, and local elected representatives, whose support has helped turn this vision into a reality.”

Each apartment has generous internal space for modern living and comes complete with quality fixtures and finishings. Sean Dobbin, Construction Director of DB Building Contracts, said: “The successful completion of our Main St, Cullybackey development is a testament to the strong working relationship we have developed with Alpha Housing and Mainline Contracts.

“Working within such a tight site has presented many challenges. Much credit is due to our site team for their efforts in delivering these quality apartments two months ahead of schedule. 

“The result is a high quality, sustainable building that reflects our shared commitment to excellence, efficiency and long-term environmental responsibility.”

Welcoming the speed at which the development was completed, and how it will help address housing need locally, the Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I am delighted to welcome this transformational development to Cullybackey.

“Turning a long-standing derelict site into twenty-four high-quality, modern homes is a real boost for our community and I am pleased to see these sustainable houses for residents of all ages coming to fruition.

“This investment will not only enhance our town’s character but also help meet local housing needs far into the future."

Main Street in Cullybackey is one of several Alpha Housing developments currently under construction across Northern Ireland. Others include Quarry Heights in Newtownards and Windsor Avenue – Alpha’s first ever build in the seaside town of Whitehead.