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 agreed to put together a range of options and costings for further improvements related to Carrigart. This work is ongoing, with advanced discussion around full and partial MEI improvements. The NIHE Asset team has indicated that it will be formally coming back to the subgroup on this in due course and it is hoped that this will happen in early 2022.
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 however they have been offered and accepted alternative accommodation. They are expected to move before the end of November. One private rented/owner occupier also remains in situ however, the NIHE is working with the Department to vest the property and it is expected that following completion of statutory requirements that this process will be completed early on in the new-year.
Choice Housing Association submitted the Planning Application for 23 units in July 2020. The planning application number is LA04/2020/1126/F. Belfast City Council is still considering the planning application however latest indications are that it may gain approval in November 2021. Once planning has been approved, NIHE will start to progress the relevant extinguishments/transfer process with the aim of completion and hand over to Choice HA following demolition.
NIHE is targeting demolition of the 3 blocks/garages on a date soon after clearance has been achieved; service disconnections will also need to be planned within this timescale. The NIHE Asset team indicates that it has an estimated programmed demolition onsite of March 2022, however this date will be reviewed as clearance progresses and there may be scope to bring it forward.
Other Projects
Woodbourne Environmental Improvement Scheme
Following extensive consultations with the Departmental Solicitors, it was confirmed that the Department for Communities (DfC) does have the legal authority to vest lands.
The Department is currently considering options for vesting and long term maintenance of the land. The Department is continuing to consult with Belfast City Council to explore these options further and an update will be provided after the conclusion of this consultation exercise.