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Ritchie opens new £8million housing scheme in Newtownabbey

Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced a significant boost for social housing in Newtownabbey.

A new £8million housing development at Longlands, Newtownabbey has delivered 50 new family homes on the site of a former textile factory. The scheme was developed by Oaklee Housing Association on behalf of the Department for Social Development.

In opening the scheme, Minister Ritchie said: “The delivery of 50 new, high quality, energy efficient, social houses on one site is a magnificent achievement. A former textile factory site has been brought back to life and transformed into a vibrant community where people want to live.

“The New Housing Agenda sets out challenging targets for the delivery of social housing. This development is a major contribution in an area of high housing need. I have seen for myself the difference that housing can make to peoples lives and that is why I am more resolved than ever to deliver more of the same in future.”

The event also marked the third anniversary of the Oaklee Services Centre, a first point of contact for tenants.

Minister Ritchie commended Oaklee Housing Association for ‘putting service to tenants right at the very heart of its social housing agenda.’

The event concluded with the Minister presenting resident Trea McAllister with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her making call number 80,000 to the Services Centre.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Oaklee Housing Association is one of 34 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.
  2. This 50 unit housing scheme cost £8.3million including land, construction and associated on costs. £6.3million was funded by the Department for Social Development through Housing Association Grant, with the balance contributed by Oaklee.
  3. Oaklee Services Centre was set up in 2005 to provide a first point of contact telephone service for Oaklee tenants on issues such as housing management, rent enquiries and property repair requests. Over 85% of calls are now resolved on initial contact.
  4. Media enquiries to Joe Livingston, DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468 or mobile 07920187938. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.