Members will be asked to support funding for the final two phases of the Clagh Vane housing development at the July sitting of Tynwald.
The Department of Infrastructure is seeking to invest £8.24 million to construct 51 new homes on the former Royal Naval Air Service camp in Ballasalla.
Planning approval has been granted for a mix of two, three and four-bed public sector properties, along with improvements to the layout and infrastructure of the area known as ‘The Horseshoe’.
The proposed development includes eight energy efficient homes, two bespoke units for disabled tenants and scope for up to seven first time buyer houses, subject to demand.
If Members support the financial motion, it is expected that contractors will start on site in September this year. The first units are scheduled to be handed over in 2018, with the construction programme completed in 2019.
The new layout will feature blocks of terraced and semi-detached properties, in addition to improved roads, vehicle access and car parking, updated utilities and services and a new landscaped open space.
The work will complete the scheme to demolish and replace the oldest dwellings and upgrade the estate, which started in 2009. Structural issues, outdated internal layouts and poor thermal performance meant it was not practical or cost effective to refurbish the original dwellings, which dated from 1949.
The Department has worked closely with local residents and Malew Commissioners throughout the process and held a public exhibition of its plans in 2015.
Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:
‘This represents the final stages of a substantial investment in good quality, well-insulated properties for our public sector tenants. We are creating a modern estate, with a mix of apartments and houses to reflect local demand. There is a strong focus on the future. The homes will be accessible and adaptable to help people remain in their homes for longer. The inclusion of eight low energy houses is an exciting step and continues our commitment to explore more viable methods of building public sector homes that have significantly lower heating costs and contribute to a reduction in the Island’s carbon emissions.’
Julie Edge MHK, Department Member with responsibility for Public Estates and Housing, added:
‘The large scale of the Clagh Vane redevelopment has required the work to be phased over a number of years and I’d like to thank people for their patience and cooperation. I’m confident the outcome will be an estate the residents can be proud of.’
