Clanmil Housing Association recently welcomed local political representatives to view ongoing redevelopment work at its independent living scheme at The Savoy in Bangor.

The demolition of two apartment blocks at the site is underway. These blocks, which had reached the end of their useful lives, will be replaced with 26 modern new two-bedroom apartments, along with associated landscaping and parking.

The main building at the complex, known as Block A, will not be impacted by the redevelopment work. The main building, formerly The Savoy Hotel and a Bangor landmark,  was built in 1932 and converted into independent living apartments for active older people in 1990.  The Savoy remains one of the few distinctive buildings of the 1930s to survive in Northern Ireland and is a fine example of the Art Deco style. The new apartment buildings have been designed to complement this distinctive style.  

When the redevelopment work is completed in summer 2023, these new apartments for active older people will increase the total number of apartments in The Savoy complex from 56 to 65 apartments.   

Clanmil Group Chief Executive, Carol McTaggart said:   
“At Clanmil our purpose is to provide homes for people to live well.  This redevelopment will provide much-needed homes for active older people in a modern complex that has been designed to complement the Art Deco style of the original building. We look forward to welcoming new residents to The Savoy next year.”   

Speaking after Friday’s site visit, Stephen Dunne DUP MLA said:  
“I was delighted to visit this site and see the work well underway to provide more modern, fit for purpose homes to meet the changing needs of today. The Savoy is an historic and well-known feature of Bangor, and it is great to see investment in new apartments on this site, which will complement the existing accommodation offering of the main Savoy building and importantly increase the number of apartments. It is always encouraging to see housing associations commit to providing new accommodation locally and I know from my work as a member of the Committee for Communities the importance of investing in housing.” 

Alan Chambers UUP MLA commented:  
“I was delighted to visit the Savoy Complex to receive a detailed briefing on the exciting project to build 26 new, two bedroom apartments that will help address the increasing demand for more accommodation in this sector. I was greatly reassured to learn about the sensitive and caring approach by Clanmil to rehousing residents of the units being demolished, that would have been an important consideration. I wish this project every success and I know that the new incoming residents will benefit from the professionalism of the Clanmil team.” 

Alex Easton Ind. MLA said: 
“This new phase of the Savoy shows a long-term commitment to better living standards and the long-term future of the residents of Bangor. The standard of home being built id second to none and is most welcome. I want to say thank you to Clanmil for including me in their plans and I look forward to keep working closely with Clanmil in the future.” 

The Savoy, one of 33 independent living schemes owned and managed by Clanmil Housing throughout Northern Ireland, provides residents with the support they need to stay in a home of their own as they grow older, offering independence, companionship, an active lifestyle and security in an easier-to-manage apartment.