Radius granted planning for £35m development, with 244 homes, at Visteon site

The £35 million development will see the construction of 244 private and social homes and access to community and work space facilities, all set within extensive newly landscaped and open space on the former factory site.

The regeneration of the site will also lead directly to 300 construction jobs, including apprenticeships, and will make an overall contribution to the economy of some £86 million.

Radius purchased the former Visteon site in June 2013, with the aim of providing social and private housing, community facilities and employment opportunities. Since then, Radius has undertaken considerable work to prepare the site for development, including the demolition of several derelict factory buildings and significant remediation work.

Contractors are expected to be onsite later this month.

Following the decision to approve the application, John McLean, CEO Radius Housing, said: “I am delighted that this planning approval has been granted, which will see the transformation of a brownfield site to a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood in West Belfast. As well as building over 240 homes in an area of acute housing shortage, the project will support 300 construction jobs when builders move on-site. In addition, we have exciting proposals for apprentice schemes as well as for long-term local employment opportunities.

“Radius is making a direct investment of £35 million which will generate an overall economic benefit of £86 million to the wider economy. As well as housing we plan to be able to progress the commercial element of the development simultaneously with the construction of the housing.”

“We will continue to work closely with residents in the surrounding area to keep them fully appraised of the progress of the development,” he added.

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