Storey officially opens 37 new social homes in Holywood
Date published:
Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has visited Holywood to welcome the tenants of a new social housing scheme to their new homes.
The scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Social Development and Clanmil Housing Association at a cost of £3.8million, has replaced the Housing Executive flats which were previously located on the West Green site.
The houses are located at Dunville Park, Dunville Link, West Link and Abbey Road.
Welcoming the tenants to their new homes, Minister Storey said: “I am amazed at the visible changes this new development has brought to the area. It has unmistakeably restored this disused site into an outstanding area for people to live.
“The completion of this scheme is the result of hard work and determination from all parties including Clanmil Housing Association, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Redburn Loughview Community Forum.”
In total, the scheme provides 31 family homes and 6 apartments for active older people. As well as being built to Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards, on-site facilities include a ball game area and outdoor gym for sports enthusiasts.
After viewing the homes of new residents, Susan Johnston and Linda and Leslie Taylor, Minister Storey said: “I would like to thank Susan, Linda and Leslie for inviting me into their homes.
“One of my key priorities as Social Development Minister is providing decent, affordable, sustainable homes for everyone. This new development is a real, practical outworking of that commitment and it is a great pleasure to see the difference these new homes have made to the residents here. I congratulate Clanmil for the development of this scheme. They have yet again produced high quality homes and the green space area is also a real hit for the families who now call this their home.
“It has been a real privilege to meet some of the tenants. I wish them all a Merry Christmas and every happiness in their new homes.”
Steve Amos, Chair of Clanmil Housing Group said: “At Clanmil we are committed to providing high quality homes that are affordable for our tenants to live in.
“These new homes in Holywood have been designed and built to very high environmental standards. High levels of insulation and particularly efficient central heating systems make them more energy efficient than standard houses and considerably cheaper for our tenants to run.
“It is wonderful to see how well these families have settled in and that they are enjoying life in their new homes and new community. We wish Linda and Leslie and Susan and her daughters, and all of our new tenants here, a very merry Christmas in their new homes and many happy years to come.”
For families like Susan’s the play area provided within the scheme has been a welcomed benefit.
Speaking about her new home, Susan (who lives at Dunville Park with her two daughters) said: “We are absolutely delighted with our new home. It’s really bright and modern and just perfect for us. The kids love the play area and have enjoyed making lots of new friends.
“It’s so nice to be settled and preparing for Christmas in our lovely home. We can’t wait to enjoy the celebrations with friends, family and our new neighbours.”
Notes to editors:
- The development consists of 31 x self contained family homes and 6 x apartments for the active elderly
- The total cost of the scheme is around £3.8million. £2million of the finance was provided from the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development, with Clanmil Housing Association providing £1.8 million through private finance
- Photographs can be viewed later on the DSD Flickr page
- Media enquiries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9233 or email: press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned