Work is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year 2021 on the development by Clanmil Housing Group of 53 much needed new family homes on the site of the former St Gemma's High School at Ardilea Street, in Ardoyne.

Clanmil, recently approached the local Community Group, The Ardoyne Association, asking for help in finding the perfect name for the new development.

The Ardoyne Association were happy to take up the challenge and quickly set about asking those who live in the local area for ideas and suggestions. They ran a naming competition on Facebook and with the help off the Belfast City Council, soon they had picked worthy winners who had come up with a name that really resonates with the history of the area.

The new development will be known as Galgani Crescent. This gives a nod to the site's former use as an all-girls High School, as 'Galgani' is Saint Gemma's surname.

The winners of the Facebook naming competition were local residents, Marie McEwan, Anne Faulkner, Catherine Ferrin and Marie Totten, who has been living in Brisbane, Australia for the past 30 years and is still getting involved and having an impact in her local area back home in Ardoyne.


Over £7.4 million has been invested in the new development, including £4.1m in Department for Communities grant funding.

The new development is being constructed for Clanmil by EHA Group, through a partnership with Kerr Property Holdings. It includes 24 contemporary apartments, 27 houses, and 2 bungalows all constructed to meet Lifetime Homes and Secure by Design standards. It also benefits from onsite parking.


Pauline Johnston, Clanmil Development Officer, presented the winners with their prizes.  She said:
 
"We are delighted by the interest the local community has shown in the development of these new homes and we really appreciate the help of The Ardoyne Residents Association in choosing a fitting name. Congratulations again to Marie, Anne, Catherine and Marie who came up with the perfect name for the scheme; one that ensures that the past is not forgotten. We are looking forward to welcoming the families to their new homes later this year."

Elaine Burns, The Ardoyne Association, added:

"The local community has been excitedly waiting for the redevelopment of this site. We were keen to keep the memory of the old St. Gemma's school alive, so it is very fitting that the name shines a light on the history of the area. We look forward to welcoming the new residents to our community and hope they will be happy in their new homes."