For families in Lisburn, the opening of Lisnagarvagh Park by Apex Housing Association is more than just a new housing development - it’s a fresh start.

Two local women have shared how moving into their new homes has marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

The keys to the first 16 homes at Lisnagarvagh Park were recently handed over, and the development is expected to provide 120 homes in total by March 2026, including 113 social homes for families and older people, and seven affordable homes for sale.

Supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, Lisnagarvagh Park has been designed to create a welcoming and shared community. It includes open spaces, a play area, and a grass reserve to encourage biodiversity, while two homes will form part of an Apex pilot study on greener social housing.

Representatives from Apex, EHA Group, NI Housing Executive and RPP Architects at the official opening of Lisnagarvagh Park in Lisburn. Pic credit: Apex

placeholder image — Representatives from Apex, EHA Group, NI Housing Executive and RPP Architects at the official opening of Lisnagarvagh Park in Lisburn. Pic credit: Apex

For those who’ve recently moved to Lisnagarvagh Park, the impact has been life changing.

Lisa Tennyson, who had been living in temporary accommodation since the start of the year, shared: “I couldn’t wait to get out of my single let in Lisburn, it was awful. I feel so lucky to get my forever home.

"It’s absolutely gorgeous and within walking distance of the local shops and my grandchildren’s school, so I can easily help my son with school pick-ups.

"I was brought up in a mixed marriage household and it’s great to see housing that welcomes everyone. I much prefer it that way.”

Geraldine Murray, says she's over the moon with her new home at Lisnagarvagh Park in Lisburn. Pictured with David Connolly from Apex. Pic credit: Apex

Geraldine Murray, who had been staying with friends for over a year, added: “I’m absolutely over the moon to get this house in Lisnagarvagh Park, which is just ten minutes away from where I grew up. It’s so modern, clean and dry.

"I’ve met a few of my neighbours already and I think it’s a great thing that it’s going to be a shared neighbourhood bringing people from different backgrounds, religions and ethnicities together.”

Barry Kerr, Executive Director of Development at Apex, said: “The vision for Lisnagarvagh Park goes beyond providing high-quality homes in an area where there is huge demand for affordable housing. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels at home.

"We’re proud to build these exceptional properties that make a real difference to people’s lives, whilst also making sure this new shared neighbourhood is welcoming to all and supported to thrive in the years to come.”

Lisa Tennyson who recently moved to Lisnagarvagh Park in Lisburn says it’s great to see housing that welcomes everyone. Pictured with David Connolly from Apex. Pic credit: Apex

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The development of Lisnagarvagh Park has been supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. Up to £10.3 million will be invested in Lisnagarvagh Park to deliver the homes and contribute to the area’s good relations plan.

Apex will work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver a good relations plan for the area. This plan will include ‘bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, education and training.