This is the first ‘new build’ scheme of its kind for families in the North West. The Minister sees housing as an important route to a shared future in Northern Ireland.
She visited the families in their new homes at Ballyfatton Close which are owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Ltd, working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Margaret Ritchie said: “When I launched the New Housing Agenda, I made it clear that I wanted to provide housing solutions that would bring people together. The Ballyfatton Close housing scheme launched today is helping to make that vision a reality.
“The residents of Ballyfatton Close have made a public declaration that this is a community where people can live and work side by side. A community where children can play and learn together irrespective of their religious, ethnic, political or cultural background.
“I am very aware that Sion Mills has a long and proud history of good community relations. This scheme represents another step on the journey to a shared and better future for all. I have said it before and I will say it again, a shared future is the only way forward for Northern Ireland.”
The scheme includes 20 dwellings, providing a range of accommodation from three bedroom family homes to mobility bungalows.
The properties were allocated to applicants strictly on the basis of housing need. Representatives from Habinteg, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the local community, met with prospective tenants to discuss the principles of a ‘Shared Future’. All residents confirmed their choice to live in a neighbourhood committed to sharing by signing up to a voluntary ‘Neighbourhood Charter’ in which diversity is welcomed and respect and tolerance is shown to all.
Notes to Editors:
- There are 20 dwellings in the scheme comprising six houses for five persons with three bedrooms, four houses with two bedrooms for four persons, six apartments for three persons with two bedrooms and four mobility bungalows with two bedrooms for three persons. All properties are built to Lifetime Homes standards, Secured by Design and Part L of the building regulations.
- Habinteg Housing Association is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development thereby gaining access to Housing Association Grant to fund the construction of social housing. They are a major provider of social housing in Northern Ireland with more than 40 housing developments and a number of highly specialised partnership projects across the region. Habinteg’s central aim is to develop quality integrated housing schemes, comprising a range of house types and incorporating new house building methods and employing innovative ‘green’ technologies to improve the quality of life for residents.
- Practical completion of the scheme was 14 October 2008 and attracted a Housing Association grant of £1,917,020.
- The Shared Future initiative, a key element in the New Housing Agenda, aims to create mixed neighbourhoods where people choose to live with others regardless of their religion or race, in an area that is safe and where diversity is welcomed.
- Media enquiries to Simon Stuart in Information Office on 028 9082 9496 or 07920 186639. Out of office hours please contact the Deputy Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
