Ministerial visit highlights the difference new homes are making for local families
This week Radius welcomed Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to Blacks Gate, Dunmurry, to mark the completion of one of the largest social housing developments delivered in Northern Ireland in recent years. The landmark mixed-tenure development has transformed the former Visteon manufacturing site into a thriving new neighbourhood, providing 244 homes for almost 1,000 people. The scheme includes 196 social homes delivered by Radius Housing, alongside 26 affordable homes through Co-Ownership and 22 private properties.During his visit, the Minister met with representatives from Radius Housing and viewed first-hand the scale and impact of the development, which has brought much-needed housing to an area of significant demand.
Blacks Gate offers a diverse range of housing options, including family homes, apartments, bungalows and specialist wheelchair-accessible accommodation, helping to meet the needs of a wide range of households.The development was supported by £15.3 million in funding from the Department for Communities and represents a major regeneration success story. Standing vacant since 2009, the former industrial site has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable community complete with landscaped open space and recreational facilities for residents.
Speaking during the visit, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted the importance of developments such as Blacks Gate in addressing housing need and supporting stronger communities across Northern Ireland.
Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing, said:
"Blacks Gate demonstrates the vital role housing associations can play in unlocking complex sites and delivering high-quality homes where they are needed most. Through strong partnership working, a former vacant industrial site has been transformed into a thriving neighbourhood providing homes for almost 1,000 people.
"The real success of Blacks Gate is reflected in the community that has grown here. Families have settled into their new homes and what was once a derelict site has become a place where people can live, thrive and build their futures."
John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing, welcomed the Minister's visit and the opportunity to showcase the positive impact of the development.
He said: "We were pleased to welcome Minister Lyons to Blacks Gate and to highlight the difference this development is making for individuals and families. Developments of this scale require significant collaboration and investment, and Blacks Gate is a strong example of what can be achieved through successful partnership working.
"Providing high-quality, affordable homes remains at the heart of Radius Housing's mission, and we are proud to see this once-vacant site transformed into a thriving community."
Blacks Gate is one of Northern Ireland's most significant recent housing-led regeneration projects and demonstrates how investment, partnership and placemaking can help tackle housing need while creating sustainable communities for future generations.