First phase of landmark 2500 home development in Derry officially opens

Hundreds of families are set to benefit from a transformative new housing development in Derry following the official opening of The Cashel by Apex Housing Association (Apex) and the Braidwater Group, attended by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais.

The Cashel, located between Ballymagroarty and Coshquin in the city, will deliver close to 2,500 social, affordable and private homes, along with a range of amenities including green spaces, shops and essential local services.

The official opening event celebrated the completion of the initial social homes for rent at Maple Glen, the first neighbourhood in The Cashel.

The initial phase will see the construction of 421 social homes, supported by £44.9 million Housing Association Grant funding from the Department for Communities and £28.2 million private finance investment by Apex.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Grace Uí Niallais said: “I am delighted to welcome this significant investment in new housing for our city and to see the progress being made in delivering much-needed new homes for people and families in our city.

“The completion and occupation of more than 90 social homes at Maple Glen is an important milestone. It is encouraging to see partners working together to respond to housing need and to create a new community that will continue to grow and develop in the years ahead.”

Among the first people to move into Maple Glen are Jennifer Lindsay and Clodagh McAuley, who received the keys to their new homes at The Cashel in late September. Both have spoken about the life-changing difference having a safe, secure and permanent home has made for them and their families.

Jennifer Lindsay moved into a three-bedroom home with her sons, Oliver and Jack, after facing challenges in accommodation that no longer met their needs.

“My eldest son, Oliver, has additional needs so our last house wasn’t ideal. The boys were sharing a room and as a result we had quite a few years of very little sleep. It really did take its toll. Oliver took to sleeping on the sofa to help calm himself, so having his own bedroom in Maple Glen is life-changing for us all. It’s so quiet and spacious here, it’s made such a difference to the whole family’s mental health.”

For Clodagh McAuley and her two-year-old daughter, Cadie-Rae, receiving the offer of a home at The Cashel marked the end of a period in emergency accommodation and the beginning of a new chapter.

“I was absolutely buzzing when I got the call. The house is amazing. It's so spacious, with loads of storage, and I love the kitchen – it’s just stunning. Having our own place means we don’t have to feel like a burden to our family anymore. Now we have our own space, somewhere we can call home.”

Liam Hannaway, Chair of Apex Housing Association, commented: "The official opening of The Cashel marks a significant milestone, not only for Apex but for housing delivery across the city.

“These high-quality homes will provide security, opportunity and a strong foundation for hundreds of individuals and families. The Cashel demonstrates what can be achieved when housing providers, developers, government and key stakeholders work together with a shared commitment to addressing housing need. We are proud to see the first homes completed and look forward to continuing our investment in this growing community in the years ahead."

Ryan Boyle, Managing Director of the Braidwater Group, said: “This is a landmark moment for The Cashel and housing delivery in the North West. We are delighted that families are already settling into Maple Glen, and The Braidwater Group is proud to be working alongside Apex as further phases progress.

"With almost 2,500 homes planned for The Cashel, the development will deliver a mix of predominantly private and affordable housing, alongside social homes, creating a balanced and sustainable community.

"Reaching this milestone is particularly significant given the scale and complexity of bringing a development of this nature forward. The Braidwater Group has worked diligently to navigate considerable challenges along the way, from planning and design through to wastewater and infrastructure requirements, including delivering the local road network and essential infrastructure needed to unlock these new homes.

"The Cashel represents a substantial long-term investment, supporting local employment, economic growth and the delivery of much-needed homes across the city and wider North West.”

Construction began on The Cashel in March 2023, with the first homes at Maple Glen completed earlier this year. Delivery of the long-term vision for The Cashel is expected to continue over the next 10-15 years.

The first phase of The Cashel will deliver 421 high-quality social homes, providing a diverse mix of accommodation.

The development will include 337 houses, 68 apartments and 16 bungalows, ranging from one-bedroom homes to larger four-bedroom family properties. Designed with accessibility and long-term living in mind, the scheme will be built to Lifetime Homes Standard and will see 42 wheelchair-accessible homes also provided.

Social housing at The Cashel will be allocated in phases over the coming years using the Common Selection Scheme Waiting List. Anyone interested in social housing at The Cashel, should contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to ensure their details and circumstances are up-to-date and that they are on the correct waiting list for the area.

For more information on Apex’s social and affordable housing development programme, visit www.apex.org.uk/developments.