Elected representatives for West Tyrone recently visited the Curlyhill housing development in Strabane to receive an on-site update from BW Social Affordable Housing, a subsidiary of the Braidwater Group, and Woven Housing Association.

Pictured L-R at the Curlyhill development in Strabane: Katrina Smyth, Woven, Vincent Bradley, Braidwater, Maoliosa McHugh MLA, Daniel McCrossan MLA, Tom Buchanan MLA, Alan McKeown, Woven, Grainne Robinson, Woven, Adele Lynch, Woven.

Located on the site of the former Convent Grammar School on Curlyhill Road, this new residential development will comprise 78 homes, a carefully planned mix of social and affordable private housing. The project also includes comprehensive landscaping, access roads, and essential infrastructure works. Once completed, Curlyhill will make a significant contribution to meeting the pressing need for quality housing in the Strabane area.

MLAs were given a guided tour of the site and briefed on construction progress by Alan McKeown, Chief Executive of Woven Housing Association, and Vincent Bradley, Development Director at The Braidwater Group.

Alan McKeown, Chief Executive of Woven, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome MLAs to the Curlyhill site and demonstrate the substantial progress made in recent months. This development is more than bricks and mortar, it represents security, dignity, and opportunity for individuals and families in need of affordable housing. At Woven, we believe that a home is the foundation for building strong, thriving communities, and we’re proud to be working with BW Social Affordable Housing to deliver exactly that in Strabane.”

Vincent Bradley, Development Director at The Braidwater Group, added: “Our work is shaped by a strong commitment to the communities we serve. That’s why maintaining open communication with local representatives and keeping residents informed is central to our approach. The Curlyhill site is making excellent progress, and thanks to the dedication of our team and close partnership with Woven, we’re confident the development will be delivered to the highest standards. We’re especially looking forward to welcoming the first families in 2026 and supporting the town’s long-term social and economic growth.”

Woven Housing Association (formerly Habinteg Housing Association), established in 1976, is one of Northern Ireland’s leading housing associations, specialising in the development and management of integrated housing schemes across both urban and rural areas. 

Full planning permission for the Curlyhill site was secured in late 2023. Since then, significant progress has been made on construction works, despite considerable challenges associated to the local utility infrastructure. The development remains firmly on schedule, with homes expected to be ready for occupancy in 2026 and formal handover to Woven thereafter – which will be delivered in conjunction with the Department for Communities.