Ritchie welcomes social housing at Pottingers Quay development

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced that social housing will be included as part of the £10million Pottingers Quay riverside development.

Scheduled for completion by September 2009, the scheme will see 27 social housing units side by side numerous private apartments in the area.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This is good news for the people of East Belfast and the Short Strand area. Pottingers Quay is a prime example of integrating the riverfront with local communities. But that shouldn’t just be for the benefit of the private sector. What the New Housing Agenda is about is private and social housing seamlessly sitting side by side. The development at Pottingers Quay reflects that, in an attractive city centre neighbourhood. It also shows just what the public and private sector can do working in tandem.”

The minister was joined by Dado Developments, Clanmil Housing Association and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Chris Kennedy, of Dado Developments said: "We are delighted to have been involved in the creation of such a high quality living environment at such a popular and sought after riverfront location. The energy and commitment of all involved from the Boyd Partnership to J Kennedy Contractors working in close harmony with the public sector is testament to how investment can be targeted to regenerate and transform an area to meet the housing demands of all parts of our community.”

Clare McCarty, Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing said: “As one of Northern Ireland’s leading housing associations, Clanmil is always seeking opportunities to increase the social housing provision in areas of housing need.

"At Pottinger’s Quay, a site partly designated for social use under the Laganside initiative, Clanmil has worked in partnership with the private sector and local community representatives to deliver quality waterfront homes in an area where demand for social housing is particularly high. Clanmil is fully committed to the benefits of successfully mixing private and social housing and we are really looking forward to handing these homes over to our new tenants in the Autumn.”

The minister also acknowledged the role of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, who had been working alongside Clanmil Housing Association and the developers to provide social housing in an area of high demand.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Pottingers Quay Development involves the construction of residential developments on three separate plots. The first two residential developments have been completed. The third plot is currently being developed and will consist of 27 apartments with 12 car parking spaces owned by Clanmil Housing Association and used for social housing.
2. The building will also consist of Community Use Premises.
3. Laganside Corporation attracted over £1billion private investment in Belfast City Centre transforming the waterfront through the integration of mixed use schemes where people could live, work and relax.
4. Clanmil Housing is one of Northern Ireland’s leading housing associations. Clanmil owns and manages 2067 homes throughout Northern Ireland including family homes, independent living schemes for the elderly, housing with care for the frail elderly and supported housing for older people with dementia.
5. Media enquiries to Simon Stuart at Press Office, Department for Social Development; Telephone 028 9082 9496/07920186639 or e-mail simon.stuart@dsdni.gov.uk . Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.