Alliance MLAs visit award winning site managers in Co Down

On Friday 16 January 2026, Kellie Armstrong MLA, Alliance Party Spokesperson for Communities, visited Lagan Homes’ Beverley Garden Village in Newtownards to congratulate site manager, Darren O'Neill on receiving an NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award for raising standards in home building.

Accompanied by Mr O'Neill, Lagan Homes’ Construction Director, Michael McCormick and NHBC’s Regional Director for Northern Ireland, Padraig Venney, Mrs Armstrong explored the development and learned about the quality standards modern homes are built to. She also discussed construction skills and the efforts of NHBC and the wider industry to promote careers in house building, as well as social housing supply and the importance of quality, new developments to meet housing needs in Strangford and across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on her visit, Kellie Armstrong MLA said: “It’s fantastic to see the quality of new homes being built here at Beverley Garden Village in Newtownards. I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to Darren O’Neill and Lagan Homes on receiving an NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award. This achievement reflects exceptional hard work and dedication, and it is well deserved.”

Darren O’Neill, site manager at Beverley Garden Village, Newtownards said: “Receiving the Pride in the Job Quality Award is fantastic recognition of our commitment to building homes that owners can truly be proud of. It also highlights the exceptional efforts, hard work and craftsmanship of the entire team of tradespeople who helped bring the Beverley Garden Village development to life.”

On the same day [Friday 16 January 2026], Peter McReynolds MLA, Alliance Party Infrastructure Spokesperson, visited Lagan Homes’ Hobart Hall development in Dundonald to meet site manager Johnston Logan who earned a Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence, alongside a Quality Award, for his commitment to building homes of outstanding quality.

Peter McReynolds MLA said: “Despite NI Water constraints and capacity problems continuing to impact the progression of housing schemes, it’s encouraging to see the quality of new homes being built here in Dundonald. Congratulations to Johnston Logan for his award and dedication to raising standards in home building.”

Johnston Logan, site manager at Hobart Hall, Dundonald said: “Winning a Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence award is an honour. The award recognises strong working practices, effective leadership and our ability to collaborate seamlessly with the wide range of trades and teams involved in building new homes. I’m delighted to receive this accolade; it is a true testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the Hobart Hall development.”

Now in its 45^th year and widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, NHBC’s Pride in the Job celebrates site managers’ dedication to raising standards in house building, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence.