Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has visited the site of a new £3.1million social housing scheme in Dungannon town centre.

The new development at Sloan Street and William Street is being built by Helm Housing Association and will transform the former Macs Bakery site into 28 modern apartments which will accommodate families, couples and singles.

Construction work by contractor, Connolly and Fee is well underway, with completion planned for early 2017.

Minister Storey said: “This new scheme will provide living accommodation for over 70 people right in the heart of Dungannon. Town centres often experience problems in developing their value beyond daylight hours, but the introduction of residential living here will bring much needed vitality and footfall to the area. In addition to providing modern high quality apartment living, this new development will help bring a boost to trade in the town.”

The Department for Social Development will provide £1.8m in Housing Association Grant for the new scheme, through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, while Helm Housing Association will contribute £1.3m through private borrowing.

The new homes are being built to high levels of energy efficiency and have been designed to meet ‘Lifetime Homes’ and ‘Secured by Design’ standards.

The Minister continued: “Just a couple of months ago I announced funding for a second phase of Public Realm works in Dungannon which includes William Street and adjacent areas. This latest housing investment is complementary to these improvements and underpins my commitment to creating more attractive town centre environments where people want to live and work.”