Co-ownership buyers move into new Ballymena homes as major mixed-tenure development takes shape

New homes built at the St Patrick’s development in Ballymena

A new chapter in Ballymena’s housing landscape is underway as Co-Ownership customers begin moving into homes at the St Patrick’s development — a large-scale mixed-tenure scheme designed to expand access to affordable home ownership while reshaping a key area of the town.

The development, delivered by Radius Housing with MJ McBride Construction as lead contractor, comprises 135 homes built to full turnkey specification. Of these, ten have been allocated to Co-Ownership buyers through a shared ownership model, while the remaining 125 properties will be occupied by Radius Housing tenants.

The arrival of new homeowners marks a significant milestone for the project, which has been positioned as a flagship example of how mixed-tenure communities can operate in practice — with private homeowners and social housing tenants living side by side within a shared environment.

Mixed-tenure model highlighted as ‘transformational’

Glynis Hobson, Director of Customer Services at Co-Ownership, described the scheme as a major step forward in delivering modern, accessible housing.

“We are delighted to buy these new shared ownership homes with our customers. This is a transformational project, where modern and affordable homes exist within a shared community space, demonstrating how successful mixed tenure developments can be where tenants and homeowners live side by side,” she said.

“We are grateful to Radius Housing for delivering these homes. We look forward to continuing to engage councils, housing associations and local developers as we help our customers access more new, affordable homes.”

Strategic site to anchor wider regeneration

The St Patrick’s site spans 15 hectares and sits in a strategically important location close to Ballymena town centre, forming part of a broader regeneration vision led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Alongside the housing development, the wider project includes plans for a new leisure and wellbeing centre, a civic space, and a new PSNI station.

The area will also benefit from improved road infrastructure, as well as enhanced foot and cycle paths connecting to the neighbouring Northern Regional College campus.

This integrated approach places housing at the centre of a wider community and infrastructure upgrade, aiming to reshape how the area functions for residents in the years ahead.

Shared ownership model continues to expand

Co-Ownership, Northern Ireland’s regional provider of shared ownership, has supported more than 35,000 households into home ownership since its establishment in 1978.

Over the past decade alone, around 9,000 households have been helped onto the property ladder, with the total value of these purchases exceeding £1 billion.

The organisation’s model allows buyers to purchase between 50 per cent and 90 per cent of a property, with Co-Ownership retaining the remaining share — lowering the upfront financial barrier for those who might otherwise struggle to buy.

Planning policy driving shift in housing delivery

Hobson pointed to planning reforms as a key driver behind the increasing availability of developments like St Patrick’s.

“To address the housing crisis, we need to build the right homes, in the right places. Local Developments Plans have the potential to be a gamechanger in delivering a greater supply of affordable homes,” she said.

“Northern Ireland’s Local Development Plans - now adopted across six Council areas - require new residential developments over a certain size to provide affordable housing. This changes the way residential developments are being delivered here, with more becoming mixed tenure, meaning they include a mix of private, social, and shared ownership homes. This is positive – it’s providing new build homes for our customers that would not otherwise be available.”

Information for prospective buyers

Further details about the shared ownership scheme and eligibility can be found at co-ownership.org.

The completion of the first homes at St Patrick’s signals not just new addresses for incoming residents, but a wider shift in how housing developments are planned and delivered in Ballymena — combining affordability, community integration, and long-term regeneration in a single site.

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At a glance

• 135 homes completed at St Patrick’s development in Ballymena

• 10 homes allocated to Co-Ownership shared ownership buyers

• 125 properties designated for Radius Housing tenants

• Development spans 15 hectares near Ballymena town centre

• Part of wider regeneration including leisure centre, civic space and PSNI station

• Co-Ownership has supported 35,000+ households since 1978

• 9,000 households helped in past decade, exceeding £1bn in property value

• Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase 50%–90% of a home

• Local Development Plans now require affordable housing in larger schemes