Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Mary Jane Meli, resident; Jan Sloan, Clanmil Housing

33 new energy-efficient homes delivered through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme

Clanmil Housing has completed its new £7.5 million Deerpark Lodge development near Antrim, providing 33 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for families, active older people and individuals in housing need. 

Located on the site of the former Deerpark Hotel, on the shores of Lough Neagh, the development offers a mix of houses and apartments designed to meet a range of housing needs while supporting the creation of a shared and inclusive community.

Delivered in partnership with MJ McBride Construction and Hall Black Douglas Architects, the homes have been constructed to an EPC A energy rating, incorporating a range of sustainability features including solar panels, high-performance glazing and low-energy lighting, helping to protect the environment while also making the homes more affordable for residents to run.

The development comprises 12 two-bedroom apartments, two one-bedroom apartments, 13 two-bedroom houses, five three-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom wheelchair-accessible house. 

Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, visited the new development to wish residents well in their new homes. He said:

“It was a pleasure to visit Deerpark Lodge and meet some of the residents who are beginning an exciting new chapter in their lives. Developments like this play an important role in providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes while helping to build strong, welcoming communities. I congratulate Clanmil Housing and its partners on delivering this impressive development and wish all those moving into their new homes every happiness for the future."

Jan Sloan, Executive Director of Development and New Business at Clanmil Housing, said:

"We are delighted to see Deerpark Lodge completed and to welcome customers to their new homes. This development represents a significant investment in the Antrim area and reflects Clanmil's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of individuals, families and older people.

"Deerpark Lodge offers a range of modern, energy-efficient homes in a beautiful rural setting, helping residents reduce their energy costs while enjoying comfortable, sustainable living. We are particularly pleased that this development will contribute to creating a shared and inclusive community where people from different backgrounds can live and thrive together."

One of the new residents at Deerpark Lodge, Mary Jane Meli, who recently moved into her home with her two children said:

"My kids and I are so happy here. I love the rural location and the peace and quiet. The size and proportions of the house are perfect for us and I’m so happy with the layout and the efficiency of the house.

"Everything has gone so smoothly from the first day. The Clanmil team has been so helpful at putting everything into place for me and my family. I haven't had any issues and the team has been there for me for anything I’ve needed.  There has been no stress at all. I feel I’m set for life here now. I wouldn't want to move anywhere else. We absolutely love it."

Michael McBride, Director of MJ McBride Construction, said:

"We are delighted to have partnered with Clanmil Housing and Hall Black Douglas Architects to deliver Deerpark Lodge. This development provides high-quality, energy-efficient homes that will make a real difference to people and their families.

"It has been a pleasure to help bring this important scheme to completion and to see residents now enjoying their new homes."

Chris McAvoy, Hall Black Douglas Architects, said:

"Deerpark Lodge has been designed to create an attractive, sustainable and welcoming place for people to call home, while making the most of its unique setting close to Lough Neagh.

"We are proud to have worked with Clanmil Housing and MJ McBride Construction to deliver a development that will benefit residents and the wider community for years to come."

The development is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive's ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive's commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. A potential £5m will be invested in the Deerpark Lodge shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.

Clanmil is working in partnership with the Antrim Advisory Group stakeholders, and with residents, to develop the scheme’s Good Relations Plan. The Deerpark Lodge shared housing development’s Good Relations Plan includes bonding and bridging events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes. Clanmil currently has 12 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland and a further two in development.  

Michael McBride, MJ McBride Construction; Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Mary Jane Meli, resident; Jan Sloan, Clanmil Housing; Chris McAvoy, Hall Black Douglas Architects

Michael McBride, MJ McBride Construction; Stephen Reynolds, NIHE, Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; Chris McAvoy, Hall Black Douglas Architects; Mary Jane Meli, resident; Ryan McGuigan, NIHE, Jan Sloan, Clanmil Housing; Caroline McBride and Fiona Rice, NIHE