The updates below are the most up to date positions advised to BSC. However, it should be noted that due to the ongoing pandemic there may be some slippage to current timescales.
Catalyst Projects
Carrigart Flats
NIHE met with Political representatives at the site in Mid-March. Following this meeting, the NIHE Asset Team is drafting a detailed options analysis/indicative costs report and the NIHE hopes to have this completed by May/June 2021.
Corrib Flats
NIHE has advised that in relation to the clearance of the existing 3 blocks, progress is as follows:
Block 30 and Block 32 – Both Blocks are cleared and have had all services disconnected.
Block 34 – One NIHE tenant remains to be rehoused and the NIHE is seeking suitable alternative accommodation. One private rented/owner occupier also remains in situ and NIHE is engaging with them to progress clearance of the Block.
Choice Housing Association submitted the Planning Application for 23 units in July 2020. The planning application number is LA04/2020/1126/F.
Choice is continuing to liaise with Belfast City Council to resolve outstanding consultations and progress the Planning Application. It is hoped that these matters will be resolved shortly, however Choice will not be able to go onsite until the existing 3 tower blocks have been demolished.
NIHE hopes to have a demolition contractor in place at the end of July 2021 although the start date for demolition will be dependent on successfully clearing the 3 blocks. With this in mind, it is anticipated that demolition will be carried out in the autumn of 2021.
Other Projects
Woodbourne Environmental Improvement Scheme
Following extensive consultations with the Departmental Solicitors, it has recently been confirmed that the Department for Communities (DfC) does have the legal authority to vest lands.
This being the case, the Department is now considering options for vesting and long term maintenance of the land. The Department is consulting with Belfast City Council to explore these options further and an update will be provided after the conclusion of this consultation exercise.