Belfast City Council has unanimously approved a major residential development by Newpark Homes, marking a significant investment in high-quality, sustainable housing in West Belfast.
The approved scheme at the former Belfast Metropolitan College campus on Whiterock Road will deliver 77 new social homes, comprising a mix of 26 houses and 51 apartments, alongside a new purpose-built children’s centre, high-quality public realm, landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure.
The application was recommended for approval by planning officers and received unanimous support from elected members at Planning Committee, reflecting the strength of the proposal and the clear need for housing delivery across the city.
The scheme will deliver 100% social rented housing, significantly exceeding the policy requirement for affordable provision. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) supported the application, highlighting substantial unmet housing need within the Inner West Belfast Housing Need Area.
The new homes will be owned and managed by Clanmil Housing Association.
In addition to housing delivery, the project includes the construction and delivery of a new children’s centre to replace and enhance existing centre, over 1,480 sqm of open space, a community pocket gardens and an outdoor gym, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) including rain gardens and permeable paving, High-quality landscaping and tree planting throughout the site and a Green Travel Plan with travel cards secured for residents.
Deirdre Walsh, Centre Director for the Whiterock Child & Family Centre stated:
“We welcome the approval of this development and the opportunity it brings for enhanced facilities for children and families in the Whiterock area.
The inclusion of a purpose-built Children’s Centre within the scheme represents a significant investment in early years provision locally. Modern, accessible and well-designed spaces are essential to delivering high-quality support services for families, and this project will help us continue to provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for the community we serve.”
Jan Sloan, Executive Director of Development and New Business at Clanmil Housing said:
“We are delighted to see this important development receive planning approval. The delivery of 77 new social homes at Whiterock Road will make a meaningful contribution to addressing critical housing need in West Belfast.
High-quality, well-designed homes in sustainable locations are central to our purpose at Clanmil, and this scheme will provide modern, energy-efficient homes for families who need them most.
We look forward to working closely with Newpark Homes, Whiterock Child & Family Centre and our partners to deliver these much-needed homes for the long-term benefit of residents and the wider community.”
This unanimous approval represents another step forward in regenerating a prominent site in West Belfast, transforming a former educational campus into a vibrant, well-designed residential neighbourhood with integrated community facilities.
A spokesperson for Newpark Homes added:
“We are delighted to receive unanimous approval from Belfast City Council for this important development at Whiterock Road. This project reflects Newpark Homes’ commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality housing that responds directly to local need while regenerating underutilised urban land.
We have worked closely with our design team, led by McGirr Architects, the Whiterock Child & Family Centre, Clanmil, elected representatives and the local community to shape a scheme that enhances the area, supports families and contributes positively to the wider neighbourhood. We look forward to progressing construction and delivering these much-needed homes.”