'Shared Future' project wins major housing awards

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA today congratulated Ulidia Housing Association for winning two prestigious UK housing awards for its ‘Shared Future’ social housing scheme in Enniskillen.

The development at Carren Crescent is Northern Ireland’s first mixed community social housing development and is the result of a ground-breaking partnership between Ulidia and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The UK Housing Awards 2007, held in London, celebrate excellence in the wider housing sector. Against strong competition, Ulidia picked up the top award for Outstanding Achievement in Housing in Northern Ireland and went on to win the Outstanding Achievement in Housing Overall UK title.

The Minister said: “It is a testament to Ulidia that its groundbreaking work has been recognised at such a high level. This is the first time that the overall UK award has come to Northern Ireland. The project, a partnership between the Housing Executive and Ulidia, was developed under the principles of Government’s Shared Future initiative which promotes a vision for a peaceful, inclusive and fair society.

“Over the years Northern Ireland has come to accept as nomal a society where people live separately. This new housing development proves that this does not have to be the case. Carran Crescent is an inspiring example of residents from different religious and ethnic backgrounds choosing to live and participate in the same community. It points the way forward for identifying ways in which imbalances in social housing patterns can be addressed.

“This award winning development is the first of its type. A second is in the pipeline, with others under consideration. Given the rising confidence and diversity of the new Northern Ireland, my hope is that many more mixed community social housing schemes can be undertaken using the protocols developed from these first projects.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Ulidia is one of 35 ‘building for rent’ registered housing associations operating in Northern Ireland. Based in Belfast it has a stock of some 800 houses throughout the country. Formed in 1977, Ulidia was initially a builder of lone parent accommodation, but is now also a major provider of family housing.
2. Now in its 11th year, the UK Housing Awards 2007 ceremony was held on 8 November 2007 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, London.
3. Media enquires to the DSD press office on 028 9082 9497. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.