Hundreds of families are set to benefit from a transformative new housing development in Derry-Londonderry following the official opening of The Cashel by Apex Housing Association (Apex) and the Braidwater Group, attended by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, helps officially open The Cashel housing development, alongside Ryan Boyle and Patrick McGinnis from the Braidwater Group, and Sheena McCallion and Liam Hannaway from Apex Housing Association.
The milestone marks an important step in the delivery of one of the North West’s most significant housing developments, which will ultimately bring forward almost 2,500 social, affordable and private homes.
Among the first people to move into Maple Glen is Clodagh McAuley, who received the keys to her new home in late September. For Clodagh and her two-year-old daughter, Cadie-Rae, receiving the offer of a home at The Cashel marked the end of a period in emergency accommodation and the beginning of a new chapter.
“I was absolutely buzzing when I got the call. The house is amazing. It’s so spacious, with loads of storage, and I love the kitchen – it’s just stunning. Having our own place means we don’t have to feel like a burden to our family anymore. Now we have our own space, somewhere we can call home.”
Ryan Boyle, Managing Director of the Braidwater Group, said: “This is a landmark moment for The Cashel and housing delivery in the North West. We are delighted that families are already settling into Maple Glen, and The Braidwater Group is proud to be working alongside Apex as further phases progress.
“With almost 2,500 homes planned for The Cashel, the development will deliver a mix of predominantly private and affordable housing, alongside social homes, creating a balanced and sustainable community.
“Reaching this milestone is particularly significant given the scale and complexity of bringing a development of this nature forward. The Braidwater Group has worked diligently to navigate considerable challenges along the way, from planning and design through to wastewater and infrastructure requirements, including delivering the local road network and essential infrastructure needed to unlock these new homes.
“The Cashel represents a substantial long-term investment, supporting local employment, economic growth and the delivery of much-needed homes across the city and wider North West.”
An official opening event was held to celebrate the completion of the initial social homes for rent at Maple Glen, the first neighbourhood in The Cashel.
Liam Hannaway, Chair of Apex Housing Association, commented: “The official opening of The Cashel marks a significant milestone, not only for Apex but for housing delivery across the city. These high-quality homes will provide security, opportunity and a strong foundation for hundreds of individuals and families.
The Cashel demonstrates what can be achieved when housing providers, developers, government and key stakeholders work together with a shared commitment to addressing housing need. We are proud to see the first homes completed and look forward to continuing our investment in this growing community in the years ahead.”
Building a new community
Construction on The Cashel, located between Ballymagroarty and Coshquin, began in March 2023, with the first homes at Maple Glen completed earlier this year. Delivery of the long-term vision for The Cashel is expected to continue over the next 10-15 years.
Once complete, the development will provide a mix of private, affordable and social homes, alongside green space, local services and essential infrastructure. The first phase at Maple Glen has now welcomed its first residents, with further phases progressing.
The project demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in housing, infrastructure and placemaking at a time of significant housing demand across the North West.
Maple Glen, the first neighbourhood in The Cashel.