At Peter Fitzpatrick and Sons, we have always believed that property is more than just a transaction of land and keys; it is the foundation upon which communities are built and economies are sustained. We are delighted to share that construction has officially commenced at Strangford Link, Ardglass. This new residential development, situated prominently on the Strangford Road, represents a significant milestone for the village and the wider County Down region.


While the sight of diggers and site fences marks the beginning of new homes, it also signals a powerful period of economic rejuvenation for Ardglass. In this post, we explore the multi-faceted economic benefits that this mixed housing development brings to our local area, from immediate job creation to the long-term sustainability of our local shops and services.


1. Immediate Job Creation and the Construction Stimulus


The most immediate benefit of any large-scale housing project is the surge in local employment. As work begins at Strangford Link, we are seeing a direct injection of capital into the local workforce. A project of this scale requires a diverse array of skilled professionals, and we are proud to see the impact this has on the regional economy.


How the construction phase boosts our economy:


• Direct Employment: The site requires tradespeople including bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and landscapers. Many of these roles are filled by local contractors who live and work within County Down. 

• Apprenticeship Opportunities: New developments provide a vital training ground for the next generation of builders, allowing local youth to gain hands-on experience without having to commute to major cities.

• Supply Chain Spending: From the quarrying of stone to the procurement of timber and glass, the "ripple effect" of construction spending supports builders' merchants and hardware suppliers throughout the district.


• Secondary Spending: We often overlook the "sandwich effect", the local delis, cafes, and petrol stations in Ardglass that see increased daily footfall from site workers and delivery drivers.


By keeping these contracts local, the Strangford Link development ensures that a significant portion of the investment stays right here in our community.


2. Supporting the "Blue Economy" and Infrastructure Growth


Ardglass is a village with a rich maritime heritage. Recent research highlights that the Department has approved £1.47m for studies to progress harbour development in Ardglass and Kilkeel. With the local fishing and seafood industry generating over £135m in annual turnover, the modernization of our coastal infrastructure is essential.


However, for a "Blue Economy" to thrive, the workforce needs places to live. The Strangford Link development plays a crucial role here:


• Housing the Workforce: As the harbour undergoes channel deepening and improvements, the demand for local housing for maritime professionals and service providers increases.


• Sustainable Growth: Providing high-quality, modern housing makes Ardglass an attractive place for specialists to relocate, ensuring that the £20m planned investment for the harbour is supported by a stable, local population.

• Integrated Development: We view the housing at Strangford Link as a complementary piece of the puzzle alongside the Fishing and Seafood Development Programme.


3. The Power of Mixed Housing Types


One of the standout features of Strangford Link is its commitment to a "mixed" residential profile. Rather than focusing solely on one demographic, this development offers a variety of housing types to suit different life stages. This diversity is a key driver of economic resilience.


The benefits of a mixed community include:
• Attracting Families: Larger detached and semi-detached homes bring families to the area, which is vital for maintaining the enrollment numbers at our local schools.
• Supporting First-Time Buyers: By including accessible options, we enable young people who grew up in Ardglass to stay in the village rather than being priced out. We often see first-time buyers in Downpatrick looking for better value in coastal areas like Ardglass.                                                      • Providing for Downsizers: Modern, energy-efficient homes allow older members of the community to move into more manageable properties, freeing up older housing stock for the next generation.

4. Boosting Local Retail and Services
A common concern in many rural villages is the "dormitory effect," where residents live in a village but spend their money elsewhere. At Peter Fitzpatrick and Sons, we believe that the location of Strangford Link, within easy walking distance of the village centre, encourages local spending.          New residents mean a permanent increase in the customer base for:


1. Local Grocery Stores and Butchers: Increased demand helps these businesses expand their offerings and hire more staff.
2. Hospitality and Tourism: Ardglass is home to world-class amenities like the Ardglass Golf Club. New residents often become members and bring guests to the village, supporting the local tourism economy.
3. Professional Services: From local hair salons to pharmacies and legal firms, an increased population creates a sustainable demand for essential services.


5. Long-Term Property Value and Community Vibrancy
When a new development like Strangford Link commences, it often acts as a catalyst for further investment in the area. It signals to the market that Ardglass is a "growth zone." This confidence can lead to:


• Improved Infrastructure: Increased council tax revenue and developer contributions often lead to better roads, public spaces, and play areas.
• Stabilized Property Market: A steady supply of new, high-quality homes helps to prevent the stagnation of the local market.
• Community Vitality: More residents mean more volunteers for local charities, more players for sports teams, and a generally more vibrant social fabric.


We have seen similar success stories with developments like Edengrove in Ballynahinch, where new housing has breathed fresh life into the town’s economy. We anticipate a similar positive trajectory for Ardglass.


Why We Are Optimistic About Strangford Link

At Peter Fitzpatrick and Sons, we have been serving this region for generations. We know that the commencement of work on Strangford Road is not just about adding numbers to a map; it is about ensuring that Ardglass remains a thriving, working village.


The economic benefits of this development are clear: jobs today, customers tomorrow, and a vibrant community for years to come. By choosing to build here, the developers are betting on the future of Ardglass, a bet that we believe will pay off for every resident and business owner in the area.


If you are interested in learning more about the types of homes available or want to discuss how the local market is shifting, we are always here to help. Whether you are looking for recent listings or want to understand the charms of Ardglass better, our team has the local knowledge you need.


Contact Peter Fitzpatrick and Sons


We are committed to providing professional, expert advice on all aspects of the County Down property market. If you have questions regarding the Strangford Link development or any other residential or agricultural land opportunities, please reach out to our team.


Our Office Details:
• Address: 18-20 St. Patricks Avenue, Downpatrick, BT30 6DW
• Phone: 028 4461 3983
• Email: info@peterfitzpatrick.co.uk
• Website: www.peterfitzpatrick.co.uk


Business Hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Stay tuned to our blog for further updates on the progress at Strangford Link and other exciting developments across the region. We look forward to helping you find your place in the future of Ardglass