Minister Storey cuts the ribbon on new rural homes in Armagh

Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, has officially opened a new £500,000 social housing scheme in Charlemont, Co Armagh.

DSD Minister Mervyn Storey MLA hands the keys of her new home at Church View Charlemont to Nicole Campbell & son Oliver

The scheme consists of four new family homes which have been built on a previous derelict site on the Church View estate. It was completed by Choice Housing Association with assistance from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Department for Social Development.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Storey said: “One of my first engagements as Social Development Minister was cutting the sod at this Charlemont scheme. It brings me great pleasure to return today for the ribbon cutting and see at first hand the culmination of hard work by Choice, the Housing Executive and my Department who have transformed a once derelict site into high standard family homes.

During the visit, the Minister also viewed the home of new resident Ms Nicole Campbell who has recently moved into the development with her baby son.

The Minister continued: “This new development means that four families from the local community have had the opportunity to be housed in familiar surroundings.

“I am committed to delivering social homes to those who need them and this also includes a commitment to building more homes in rural areas.

“I know from chatting to Nicole that her new house has made a big difference to her and her son. I want to thank all the residents for taking the time to welcome me today and I wish them well in their new homes.”

Ian Elliott, Chief Executive, Services of Choice Housing, said: "This scheme enhances the vibrancy of our rural communities, providing affordable, modern family homes in Charlemont and has helped alleviate housing waiting lists in the area while providing a bespoke Wheelchair Bungalow for a family with complex needs."

Building works commenced in September 2014 and the Association accepted handover in August 2015. We appreciate the work of all the firms in the design team, ably led by McGirr Architects, and the quality of the finished product provided by M. J. McBride Construction Limited. May I also express our sincere appreciation for the ongoing support we have received from the DSD and the Housing Executive. Finally, we wish all our tenants every happiness in their new homes."

Notes to editors: 

1. The scheme comprises of 2 x two bedroom family homes, 1 x 3 bedroom family home and 1 x wheelchair bungalow
2. The total cost of the scheme was in the region of £500,000, including land acquisition and associated construction costs. The Department for Social Development funded £250,000 in grant through the Housing Executive and Choice Housing contributed £250,000 through private borrowing
3. All of the homes have been built to the usual high energy efficiency levels with Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design accreditation in place
4. Plans for housing activity in rural areas are identified by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive through its Rural Action Plan with new homes delivered by housing associations through the Department for Social Development’s Social Housing Development Programme. In 2014/15, 158 new homes were provided in 21 rural locations with work commencing on 119 more in another 21 areas
5. Photos can be viewed on the Department's flickr page

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