Ritchie launches £4million housing scheme for older people

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today launched a £4million housing scheme for active older people in Belfast.

Thirty new energy efficient homes were built at Glenview Wood in East Belfast, funded by the Department for Social Development and Trinity Housing Association.

Handing over the keys to new tenants, Jim and Eileen Boyd, Minister Margaret Ritchie extended her best wishes to all the new residents for a long and happy stay in their homes.

Minister Ritchie said: "I am very impressed by this new accommodation. This scheme provides 30 state of the art apartments for our more mature citizens. The new tenants will be able to take advantage of an array of energy saving, design and security features in a beautifully designed development.”

The two bedroom apartments were designed to incorporate the recommendations of the Crime Prevention Design Advisor from the PSNI, to ensure that residents feel safe and secure. The new homes were also built to Eco Homes standard which ensures a high level of energy efficiency.

Minister Ritchie added: "The delivery of high quality, sustainable social housing is the number one priority in the New Housing Agenda and this latest development certainly achieves that objective. Trinity Housing Association is to be congratulated for being able to provide this new housing in the heart of the community, alongside existing local infrastructure."

Notes to editors:

1. Trinity Housing Association is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, giving access to grant funding. The Association provides a wide range of housing for elderly persons and has developed award winning housing schemes for the frail elderly and those suffering from dementia. It also provides family housing and housing for people suffering from mental health and learning disability problems.
2. This 30 unit scheme cost £4.3million, including land acquisition, construction and associated on costs. The Department, through the Housing Executive, funded £3.6million through Housing Association Grant, with the balance of £0.7million contributed by Trinity through private financing.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497 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.