Pioneering Housing Executive pilot project brings major upgrades to Drumtara estate, Ballymena
- Love Ballymena
- Aug 7
- 2 min read

Pictured on the roof of a Housing Executive pilot project in Drumtara, Ballymena are, from left, Sharon Poots, Housing Executive Architect and Senior Project Manager, Paul Fishwick, Maintenance Manager for Housing Executive Direct, North Belfast and Gareth Walsh, Housing Executive Project Manager.
A ground-breaking Housing Executive pilot scheme in Ballymena is setting a new standard for social housing improvements in Northern Ireland, with extensive energy-efficient upgrades being delivered to a property in the Drumtara estate.
The property, located in the Ballee area, is undergoing a series of transformative retrofit and design enhancements aimed at boosting energy performance, addressing structural concerns, and improving long-term living standards.
“This dwelling, along with most of the estate, was constructed in 1978,” explained Paul Fishwick, Maintenance Manager for Housing Executive Direct, North Belfast.
“Like the rest of the Housing Executive properties in the area, it was subsequently included into a five-year programme of improvement works following the removal from stock transfer based on the historical repairs.”
Concerns over the property’s condition were raised in 2023, including issues of leaks, condensation, and poor thermal performance. The Housing Executive responded by launching a first-of-its-kind internal pilot project, managed directly by its own team.
“We are delighted to be taking the lead on this scheme which is set to provide both retrofit fabric upgrade and design improvements to this dwelling,” said Mr Fishwick.
“We are carrying out the majority of the works alongside the response contractor who are undertaking the roofing element only. So, it is a first for our team and hopefully won’t be the last.”
Key improvements nearing completion include:
Replacement of the old mono-pitched roof with clay tiles suited to shallow pitches
Extended eaves and installation of new rainwater goods at first floor level
Replacement of single clay tile wall cladding with modern vertical composite cladding
Extraction and full upgrade of cavity wall insulation
Complete removal and replacement of asbestos-containing materials and internal ceilings
Completion is anticipated in Autumn 2025.
The property’s renovation has already had wider implications. The improvements have informed repair work on nearby homes damaged during Storm Eowyn, particularly those needing urgent roof replacements.
Mr Fishwick added, “The works to this pilot should also help to inform any upcoming schemes regarding roof replacements and external cyclical maintenance.”
Upon completion, the fully refurbished property will become a home for a new family, offering enhanced comfort, cost-efficiency, and energy performance.
“Following the extensive upgrade works inside and outside the pilot property a new family will benefit hugely from making this cost and energy efficient property their home when they receive the keys on completion,” said Mr Fishwick.
With the Housing Executive describing the pilot as “exemplary”, there is strong optimism that this initiative will serve as a model for future improvement programmes, not only in Ballymena but across Northern Ireland.
“It is the hope this exemplary scheme will continue to inform many of our future improvement works in the area and further afield,” Mr Fishwick concluded.