Ballyclare homebuilder responds to single-level housing demand with the £8m Petticrew Park development

Simpson Developments is going live with a brand new housing development in Ballyclare. 

Petticrew Park, which will be released to the market on December 4th, is a development made up of 43 units, 10 of which are bungalows. 

The site will also include two, three, and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses.

Petticrew Park is the only new housing project in the Ballyclare area to accommodate a long-standing appetite for the one-level properties. 

There are currently 30 staff working on the site, led by Site Manager Gary Gordon, while a further 30 other roles have been funded by the creation of Petticrew Park. 

Several virtual show homes have been launched to allow prospective buyers to navigate the properties, engage with interactive brochures and browse virtual furnishings thanks to Simpson Developments Computer Generated Illustration (CGI) software and VR tech that is the only home viewing tech of its kind in the NI housing market right now.

Smart viewings are not the only state-of-the-art aspect of Petticrew Park. The homes here have the latest in energy efficient provisions. 

One of the site’s most unique aspects is the inclusion of the chalet bungalow property type, a sought-after unit that has fallen out of favour with builders over the years. 

These units are often a preferential choice among retirees who want to downsize and those who want the ease of a one-level setting. 

Nigel Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson Developments, said:

“We are delighted to put Petticrew Park on the market in December and we believe it responds to many demands from the Northern Ireland new homebuyer.

“Over the years the construction of bungalows has dwindled creating a big gap in the market and that’s simply because the same space can be used to add additional units with multiple storeys. Despite that, demand is still there, in fact there is a shortage. We’re delighted to make a start at filling this void.

“Petticrew Park is everything that Simpson Developments stands for. It’s a collection of beautifully styled homes that use the best technology, the kind of provisions that make these homes not only future proof but play a role in the decarbonisation of society. 

“Everyone has a duty in the drive to net zero emissions and that includes house builders. COP26 has highlighted the need for all of us to stand up and be counted in that drive and by ensuring our homes are climate-change friendly, we are not only playing our part but helping homeowners keep their own emissions down and ultimately reduce their energy costs.

“We are certain demand will be high for this site and look forward to launching our virtual home options online.”

The site is within walking distance of Ballyclare town centre and benefits from the new relief road accessing the M2 Motorway.

The project is one of several live and upcoming Simpson Developments sites across Northern Ireland including a new phase at its very popular Dunadry scheme, Dunadry Gate.

The homebuilder will also announce new sites in the coming months including another development made up entirely of bungalows in Bangor, 90 units in Antrim town centre, and many more.

Speaking about the property market in the aftermath of almost two years of a pandemic, Mr Simpson added:

“Covid-19 presented challenges for every industry, including the property sector. From the halting of work on site to viewing restrictions and a rise in material costs, it’s not been easy but we are getting through the worst of it. 

“We are adapting well to our new way of living. The market is extremely buoyant and that is illustrated through demand for all of our sites including our Avondale development where we have only one remaining property left. 

“We look forward to putting Petticrew Park out there and continuing to trade in this new, exciting environment.”