The development by Oaklee Housing Association, assisted by £4.3million funding from the Department for Social Development, will provide 22 two bedroom apartments for active older people and 12 two and three bedroom family houses. Construction by Geda Construction is about to get underway, with completion planned for August 2010.
Designed to Lifetime Homes standard, the homes can be easily adapted as residents' physical circumstances change. In addition, the recommendations of the Crime Prevention Design Advisor from the PSNI have been incorporated into the design of the dwellings to ensure that residents feel safe and secure. The properties will all be built to Level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which ensures a high level of energy efficiency.
Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome this scheme which is the first step in providing much-needed homes for Newtownbreda. My aim for Northern Ireland is a shared future. That includes older people living side by side with younger families. This scheme will provide state of the art apartment accommodation for people over 55 years of age, alongside family housing. All will be able to take advantage of an array of energy saving, design and security features.
“The delivery of highly efficient and sustainable social housing is a key priority for me, particularly in these times of high energy costs. I wish the future residents well and am sure they will appreciate their safe, energy efficient homes.”
Notes to Editors:
- Oaklee Housing Association is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development. It manages some 4,000 homes throughout Northern Ireland in sheltered accommodation, family housing and specialist care schemes.
- This 34 unit scheme will cost £5.4million, including land, construction costs and associated on costs. The Department will fund £4.3million through Housing Association Grant, with the balance of £1.1million contributed by Oaklee through private financing.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468 or Joe Livingston on 07920 187938. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
