Completion of the first 10 properties in the second phase of Ramsey Town Commission's latest public sector housing development is on schedule.
The new houses form part of a £7.6 million phase and are due to be handed over by builders Auldyn Construction in June this year.
Occupying the site of the former Lezayre housing estate a total of 149 new homes are being built in four phases and represent a £25.3 million undertaking by the Commission in partnership with the Department of Local Government and the Environment.
Access is via a new road leading from Poyll Dooey Road. Phase one - a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties - was completed in 2008. Phase two, scheduled for completion this autumn, will provide a similar mix of 30 new homes, including two with specially adapted extensions for families with members who have specific care and mobility support needs.
Outgoing chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners Brian Beattie JP said: ‘Plans for the scheme were drawn up in close consultation with the Department of Local Government and the Environment and our existing tenants. The development follows Secured by Design practices that aim to "design out" crime from the built environment by incorporating natural surveillance features aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing opportunities for criminal activities, increasing the likelihood of detection and reducing anxiety about crime. The most evident demonstration of these recommended practices is that the houses are being built in a series of closes. This not only serves to reduce the impact of vehicles and facilitate future management but also helps foster a sense of community and ownership.'
Phases three and four will see the construction of some 40 more new homes and demolition completed of all existing properties on the former housing estate.
Completion of the full scheme is projected for early 2011.