A £3million shared housing scheme is opened in Loughbrickland

The 24 home scheme was developed by Ulidia Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. The two, three and four bedroom properties have all been built to high energy efficiency levels with double glazed windows and a range of eco features fitted as standard to help reduce heating costs.

The Chair of Ulidia Housing Association, Tony Kennedy OBE, welcomed Minister McCausland to the scheme and thanked him for his support during its development. During the opening he commented:

“Ulidia is delighted to have the opportunity to build on the success of its award winning Shared Future scheme at Carran Crescent, Enniskillen and to have developed this second project at Woodside Park, Loughbrickland.

On behalf of Ulidia, I welcome the residents and wish them every success in their new homes.”

Woodside Park embraces the shared housing concept with new tenants signing up to a ‘good neighbours’ charter welcoming everyone regardless of religious or cultural background.

Minister McCausland said:

“Ulidia Housing Association is to be congratulated for providing these much needed houses in an area that continues to have a high housing need and for continuing to build on its good neighbour, shared community ethos.

“The evidence is that people want to live in shared communities and my Department is keen to facilitate these good neighbour arrangements.

“My Department requires that all new social housing is built to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency. This new development certainly fits the bill and I have been most impressed by what I have seen.

“I wish all many years of happiness in their new homes.”

While he was visiting Woodside Park, the Minister was introduced to Ciara Devlin, one of the scheme's new tenants, who showed the Minister around her home.

Ends

• This 24 unit scheme of semi-detached houses comprises 11 x two bedroom, 12 x three bedroom and 1 x four bedroom (wheelchair) accommodation.
• Total cost was £3million, with the Northern Ireland Executive funding £2million through the Housing Executive and Ulidia Housing Association funding £1million through private financing.
• Ulidia Housing Association is one of 29 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, with some 1,000 homes for rent.
• Ulidia’s first new build Shared Future scheme at Carran Crescent, Enniskillen, was winner of the prestigious ‘Outstanding Achievement in Housing in the UK’ title at the UK Housing Awards in 2007.