New £1million family housing scheme at Springhill Park, Newry

The development of six new homes adjacent to Springhill Drive is being developed by Ulidia Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. The site was formerly owned by the Housing Executive and was taken up by Ulidia to provide new housing for families from the social housing waiting list.

Tony Kennedy, Chair of Ulidia Housing Association, welcomed the Minister and thanked him for his support. He said:

“The six new dwellings will provide quality affordable housing that complies with Lifetime Homes, Secured by Design and Code for Sustainable Homes. On behalf of Ulidia, I want to thank the Department for Social Development and the Housing Executive for their continued support for the work of the association.”

During his visit Minister McCausland commented:

“The importance of good housing in people’s lives cannot be underestimated. Ulidia Housing Association is to be congratulated for providing these much needed houses in an area that continues to have a high housing need.

“My Department requires that all new social housing is constructed to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency. In approving this scheme to go forward we have ensured that these exacting standards have all been met.

“I’m particularly pleased that we were able to facilitate retention of the existing play facility alongside for local children. Good quality recreation space where it can be provided is always to be desired.”

The three bedroom semi detached accommodation will have Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes accreditation, which ensures added security features and flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date. The scheme is planned for completion in March 2013.

Ends

• Ulidia Housing Association is one of 29 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, with some 1,000 homes for rent.
• This six unit scheme comprises 6 x three bedroom semi-detached houses.
• Total cost will be in the region of £894,000, with Ulidia Housing Association funding £534,000 through private financing and the Northern Ireland Executive funding £360,000 through the Housing Executive.