To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on (i) the allocation; and (ii) the timeline for the release, of grant funding to support the housing redevelopment scheme at Posnett Street, South Belfast, (iii) when work on the project is expected to commence.

This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“The Posnett Street, Belfast scheme is currently programmed to start in the 2025/26 year (subject to budget) with a completion date within the 2027/28 year.

As with other programmed schemes, the allocation and timing of grant funding will be dependent in several factors associated with the delivery position of the scheme.

In order for the scheme to commence on site, several key milestones of delivery will need to be reached. This would include planning approval, acquisition of land, award of a construction contract and confirmation of funding approval by NIHE Development Programme Group (DPG).

At present, NIHE DPG has not yet received an application for funding approval for the scheme however we do anticipate that this will be forthcoming from the Housing Association and will be assessed accordingly.

Programmed schemes can be lost or slip to future programme years for a variety of reasons e.g. relating to delays in acquiring sites and/or failure to secure Planning Approval. Additional schemes can also be added to the SHDP ‘in-year’ through Competitive Land, Design & Build procurement route and/or the purchase of Existing Satisfactory / Off-the-Shelf properties.”