Ritchie opens former Ministry of Defence housing scheme in Pond Park, Lisburn

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today handed over keys to residents in the Pond Park housing scheme, Lisburn.

This is another example of former Ministry of Defence homes being acquired to provide social and affordable housing in an area of high housing need.

The houses at Pond Park have been refurbished by Oaklee Housing Association and comprises 112, three-bedroom houses situated in a popular residential area in the north of Lisburn.  The houses were formerly occupied by Army Personnel.

The Minister, in handing over the keys to two of the tenants Joleen Francey  and Victoria McKenna, said:  “Since becoming Minister for Social Development, I have made it clear that housing is my first and foremost priority. When I launched the New Housing Agenda, I said that we would be innovative, creative and leave no stone unturned in our desire to deliver housing for those in greatest need.  The fact that we are here today on the site of a former Ministry of Defence facility, is proof that we are doing just that.  This housing, a legacy of our troubled past, has been fantastically refurbished and now converted to support the progress we have made in moving forward into a new shared future.”

Sixty eight of the homes have now been allocated to those in greatest need and the remaining 44 homes will be allocated in the near future when final refurbishment works are completed.

Notes to Editors:

1. This scheme consisting of 112 three-bedroom houses will cost £435,908.91, for refurbishment including the replacement of kitchens to each dwelling, repairs and general maintenance work to both the interior and exterior of each property plus external redecoration.  
2. Oaklee Housing Association is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development.  Oaklee is a major contributor to the social housing programme with in the region of 4,500 units throughout Northern Ireland.
3. Media enquiries to Joe Livingston DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468 or 07980 187938.  Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.