The exciting venture is paving the way for greater engagement on biodiversity from Choice Housing staff and tenants, with designated areas of new – and existing – land being set aside to support nature and help increase wildlife interest levels in public open space.
Choice Housing has committed to having five future developments assessed for ecological purposes as part of its 2023/24 ‘Design Guide’ review.
With Ulster Wildlife’s help, it will make biodiversity specifications standard in all fresh builds – a commitment that will be achieved through Choice’s ‘Sustainability and Energy Strategy’.
Explaining the thinking behind the biodiversity initiative, Wilton Farrelly, Group Director of Assets at Choice, said a recent event at The Square in Ballyclare involving volunteers from RSPBNI highlighted the opportunities that exist to make a positive environmental contribution.
“As part of the conversations we had with volunteers, which included pointing out the threats faced by swifts and the important role home builders can play in preserving their habitats, Choice Housing installed ‘swift bricks’ to the design of properties within The Square.
“All bricks are occupied, and our tenants are delighted by the presence of these rare birds.”
A total of eight were delivered at the Ballyclare scheme, with these ‘Swift bricks’ incorporated at Park Avenue in Belfast – a £16.3m mixed tenure scheme that will comprise 90 units once work has been completed by contractor EHA Group. Of this total, 63 have been set aside for social housing purposes and 27 will be private rented apartments for Maple and May Limited.
“The event at The Square reinforced the significant opportunities that Choice Housing have to minimise net-ecological loss in our new-build programme,” added Wilton.
“Park Avenue will enhance the area by incorporating communal gardens and soft landscaping whilst occupants will benefit from the latest energy efficiency measures to save on bills and reduce emissions.”
