The Department for Communities today confirmed it has handed the keys for 59 former Ministry of Defence (MOD) homes to Clanmil for refurbishment as social and affordable homes.
The homes at Mountview Drive and Skyline Drive, Lisburn will be transformed into 30 social homes for families on the social housing waiting list and 29 affordable homes for sale to those wanting to get on the property ladder.
Tracy Meharg, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities said: “Reducing housing stress and increasing the level of housing supply across Northern Ireland are key objectives for the Department for Communities.
“The Department has been working for some time to ensure this transfer is made so that these homes can be brought back into use for the benefit of the community.
“Clanmil will soon be able to get underway with the refurbishment works and these vacant properties will be brought back to life and provide a good quality, comfortable home for many families.
“The use of former MOD homes like this, is an excellent example of how former public sector assets can help tackle disadvantage and dereliction and improve the quality of life for people of all ages who live in this area.”
Clare McCarty, Group Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing, said: “We have been working closely for some time now with the Department for Communities to progress the transfer of these vacant properties. We’re delighted to finally be in a position to start the refurbishment work that will bring them back to life as much needed, high quality, affordable family homes.
“We’ve previously refurbished 36 houses in Mountview Drive so we know they make fantastic family homes and we’re really looking forward to seeing more families moving in and making these homes their own.”
Notes to editors:
- The houses were gifted to the Department for Communities under the Economic Pact for Northern Ireland and transferred to the Department’s ownership in January 2017.
- The absence of the NI Assembly delayed the transfer of the 59 properties from the Department for Communities to Clanmil Housing. The passage of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018 and the issue of the associated guidance provided a vehicle that facilitated the transfer.
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