Ritchie announces £23million housing investment for Derry

Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has announced major funding of over £23million for two new social housing developments in Derry City.

Housing schemes at Dove Gardens in the Bogside and at Skeoge Road, in the Galliagh area, will see 187 new homes provided over the next two years. All will incorporate the latest in energy saving, design and security features.

North and West Housing has just completed 20 new family homes and a further 43 will complete in April, at Dove Gardens.

Handing over keys of a new home to Mrs Cathy O’Kane at Dove Gardens, Minister Ritchie said: “This long awaited package is excellent news for the city. Some have questioned my commitment to housing in Derry. Let today’s announcement leave no one in any doubt of my commitment to deliver for all those in housing need.”

The Minister also announced the imminent start of 124 new houses at Skeoge Road. Planning permission has just been granted for a total of 280 new homes on this and adjacent sites. This major development incorporates three landscaped areas of open space, including a children’s playground, to be maintained and managed by Derry City Council.

The Minister continued: “Derry has long suffered from high levels of housing stress, with sites difficult to source and I was determined to turn that around. These quality developments will make major inroads into housing waiting lists and help stimulate and drive forward the physical and environmental regeneration of this part of the North West.

“In addition to providing much needed new housing, this significant investment by my Department will be a major boost to the beleaguered construction industry, not only in the North West, but much further afield.”

Praising the role of the Planning Service for the speed in which the Skeoge Road application was passed, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “It is good to see my Department and the Department for Social Development working together to deliver this much needed development.

“This is a significant development and one which will give a considerable boost to our local construction sector. I particularly welcome the fact that Planning Service was able to turn the planning approval for Skeoge around in quick time. This ensures that houses can be started before the end of this financial year.”

All of the housing will be built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which makes them 25% more energy efficient. In addition, both new developments have been designed to Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards, giving added security and flexibility of adaptation for residents.

Concluding her visit, Minister Ritchie said: “I wish residents in Dove Gardens all the very best for their first Christmas in their new homes and look forward to seeing the Skeoge development underway. Fold and North and West Housing Associations, along with the Housing Executive, Derry City Council and local and community representatives are to be congratulated for bringing these important schemes to fruition.”

Notes to editors:

1. Fold Housing and North and West Housing are two of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, thereby gaining access to Housing Association Grant for social housing purposes.
2. Fold’s scheme of 124 houses at Skeoge Road, will cost £15.8million, including land, construction and associated on costs. The Department will fund £10.8million through Housing Association Grant, with Fold funding the balance of £5.0million through private borrowing.
3. North and West’s scheme of 63 houses at Dove Gardens, will cost £7.5million, including land, construction and associated on costs. The Department will fund £5.7million through Housing Association Grant, with North and West funding the balance of £1.8million through private borrowing.
4. Planning Service’s Londonderry Division processed planning application number A/2008/0497/F for residential/social housing development of a total of 280 dwelling units to include 208 houses and 72 apartments at Lands to the North of Skeoge Link, Galliagh, Londonderry. The agent is Mr R Spence, Ostick and Williams Ltd., 14 Edgewater Road, Belfast, BT3 9JQ. Telephone 028 9077 8810.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496 or Fearghal O’Reilly on 07920 832 279. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.