The updates below are the most up to date positions advised to BSC. However, it should be noted that due to the current health emergency things are fast moving, and timescales may slip/change.
Catalyst Projects
Carrigart Flats
Some remodelling and enhancements including 24 new front doors and 6 bin stores have been delivered at Carrigart Flats.
It was agreed at the Forum meeting in February 2020 to hold a separate meeting to discuss potential further external enhancements/remodelling of Carrigart. This was delayed due to Covid-19 however NIHE still have this on their agenda and it is hoped to have a meeting soon.
Corrib Flats
Choice Housing Association (HA) submitted the planning application for 23 units in July 2020 and I have attached for your information the link below to the planning application (LA04/2020/1126/F).
http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QCQ W5HSV30000&activeTab=summary
Choice HA hope that they will receive planning permission in January/February 2021 however they will not be able to go onsite until the existing 3 Tower blocks have been demolished.
NIHE are progressing through the process for the procurement of a demolition contractor however the start date for demolition will be dependent on successfully clearing the 3 blocks.
NIHE have advised that in relation to the clearance of the existing 3 blocks, progress is as follows:
- Block 30 – All 9 NIHE tenants re-housed; (all private tenants/landlord buy backs have also completed) Block has had all services disconnected and permanent steel fitted to the block and individual flats.
- Block 32 – 6 NIHE tenants rehoused, 1 NIHE tenant remaining.
- Block 34 – 3 NIHE tenants rehoused, 3 NIHE tenants remaining (one of which was due to move in August – no further update available)
- Garages – no further update since NIHE advised that 3 of the 10 are void (not to be re-let); all units have a 14 day lease termination, so will be cleared in line with the final tenants being rehoused/demolition contract timescale.
- Private rented/owner occupiers – one of the two previously outstanding properties submitted an application in July which is currently with LPS for valuation; that potentially leaves just one property for which NIHE continues to seek an agreement with the owner. All other private/owner occupied properties have now been agreed. NIHE are due to have an internal meeting to discuss Corrib flats in September and following this, it is hoped to have a small onsite meeting for some of the Forum members.
Other Projects
Woodbourne Environmental Improvement Scheme
Following on from the update given at the meeting of the Woodbourne sub-group on 05 March 2020, senior officials within the Department have met to attempt to progress the vesting issues.
As a result of these meetings, further queries have been raised, specifically as to whether there is a statutory basis for the vesting of the lands by DfC. This has been referred to the Departmental Solicitors. In addition, the Departmental Solicitor has also been asked to clarify previous advice on the vesting of these lands by other statutory bodies e.g. Belfast City Council.
DfC hope to have an update on this soon.