Lóiste Nua
Belfast, 2017

Lóiste Nua is the Irish Gaelic name for New Lodge. This district, situated north of Belfast’s city centre, is a so-called interface area. Throughout The Troubles, this predominantly Catholic area was a flashpoint for sectarian conflicts and the scene of attacks, bombings, shootings and riots. Statistically, streets in New Lodge were the most dangerous in all of Northern Ireland. It is still characterised by the ‘peace line’, which divides it from the adjoining Protestant Tiger’s Bay neighbourhood.

Dominated by seven tower blocks constructed in the 1960s, Lóiste Nua is still an area with severe housing need. To improve the quality of life on the estate, the Housing Executive has instituted a regeneration scheme. This program involves major refurbishment of the high-rise buildings. Changes are set to include cladding of the external façade, new windows and insulation. The entire area is affected by the refurbishment program. Some of the Victorian terrace houses are being demolished and replaced, and residents from those dwellings need to be re-housed in the same neighbourhood.
There is serious social and economic deprivation and it is reported to be a tense place to live, with street gangs controlling the estate. The installation of new door entries and CCTV systems are planned to increase security for residents.

A detailed portfolio is available on request.