The £35 million development will see the construction of 244 private and social homes with access to community and workspace facilities, all set within extensive newly landscaped and open space on the former factory site.
As well as creating 300 construction jobs, the development will make an overall contribution to the economy of some £86 million. In addition Radius and Kevin Watson Group will deliver a number of apprenticeship opportunities during the lifetime of the contract.
Anita Conway, Radius Housing Director of Development said: "We are delighted that Kevin Watson Group are starting work on the Visteon site. Their experience in delivering high quality homes across Northern Ireland means that they are well placed to bring more than 240 new homes to this site in Belfast. This development will play a hugely significant role in reducing the housing waiting list in this area which is an area of acute housing stress. As one of Northern Ireland's only developers of affordable housing, we are delighted that this project will also include a range of affordable homes, which will be exclusively reserved for first time buyers."
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Kevin Watson, Director of Kevin Watson Group, added:"We are delighted to be working with Radius Housing on one of the largest social and affordable housing projects in Northern Ireland. This Project will deliver excellent quality social and affordable homes to the people of Belfast as well regenerating an area of waste ground that has lain vacant for several years. In partnership with Radius Housing we have created several opportunities for young people from the area who are interested in working in the Built Environment, including a Trainee Site Manager Programme in which you can 'earn as you learn'. The successful applicant will work on the Visteon Project under the supervision of KWG Management, learning to become a Trainee Site Manager while at the same time gaining NVQ Level 6 Site Manager qualification. This Programme will run over three years and is an excellent opportunity for young people with an interest in learning about the construction industry."
(CD/CM)
