First tenants move into Alpha Housing’s £4.4m Cullybackey development

Pictured with tenant Doreen (second from left) is Alpha Housing Chief Executive Cameron Watt, Councillor Anna Henry of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston.

The first tenants have moved into Alpha Housing’s £4.4 million residential development in Cullybackey, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the County Antrim village less than two years after construction began.

Keys were officially handed over this week at the Main Street scheme, which has transformed a once derelict area of scrubland into a modern, purpose-built housing development in the heart of the community.

Work on the project began in September 2024, when the first sod was cut, and the completed scheme now provides 24 high-quality homes. Four of the apartments have been specifically designed for wheelchair users, underlining a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive living.

Alpha Housing Chief Executive Cameron Watt (L) and North Antrim MLA Paul Frew pictured with tenants Janet and Doreen at the official opening of the housing association’s new scheme in Cullybackey.

The development comprises a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, catering for independent older people as well as working-age residents. Its central location places tenants within easy reach of local shops, amenities and essential public transport links, including nearby bus and rail services.

Designed by Michael Whitley Architects, the contemporary building was constructed by Mainline Contracts and DB Contracts.

The project forms part of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Social Housing Development Programme, with £3.1 million in funding provided by the Department for Communities and a further £1.3 million invested by Alpha Housing.

Local representatives joined Alpha Housing to welcome residents to their new homes, including the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, alongside MLAs Paul Frew and Timothy Gaston and local councillors.

Alpha Housing Chief Executive Cameron Watt said the handover represented a proud moment for all involved.

“We are delighted to welcome the first tenants to this fantastic new development in the centre of Cullybackey. This scheme reflects Alpha Housing’s ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality, accessible homes that meet the needs of older people, people with disabilities and the wider community.

“Handing over keys to new residents is a proud moment for everyone involved, and a testament to the strong partnership working that made this exciting project possible.

“Right from the outset, our focus has been on creating a development that is inclusive, well connected and fit for the future, with homes designed to support independent living while remaining close to local services and all-important transport links,” he continued.

“We are extremely grateful to our partners, including the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the design and construction teams, and local elected representatives, whose support has helped turn this vision into a reality.”

Each apartment offers generous internal space designed for modern living, alongside quality fixtures and finishes throughout.

Sean Dobbin, Construction Director at DB Building Contracts, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project and the challenges of working within a constrained site.

“The successful completion of our Main St, Cullybackey development is a testament to the strong working relationship we have developed with Alpha Housing and Mainline Contracts.

“Working within such a tight site has presented many challenges. Much credit is due to our site team for their efforts in delivering these quality apartments two months ahead of schedule. The result is a high quality, sustainable building that reflects our shared commitment to excellence, efficiency and long-term environmental responsibility.”

Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford and the Chief Executive of Alpha Housing, Cameron Watt, pictured with tenant Doreen at the official opening of the housing association’s new Cullybackey scheme.

Welcoming both the pace of delivery and the impact on local housing need, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford said the scheme would have lasting benefits for the village.

“I am delighted to welcome this transformational development to Cullybackey.

“Turning a long-standing derelict site into twenty-four high-quality, modern homes is a real boost for our community and I am pleased to see these sustainable houses for residents of all ages coming to fruition. This investment will not only enhance our town’s character but also help meet local housing needs far into the future.”

The Cullybackey project is one of several Alpha Housing developments currently under construction across Northern Ireland. Other schemes include Quarry Heights in Newtownards and Windsor Avenue, which marks Alpha Housing’s first ever build in the seaside town of Whitehead.