£4.2m family housing scheme for Comber
Fold Housing Association welcomed the Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland MLA, recently to their latest scheme Dunsy Green, Comber. The Minister was there to officially open it and welcome tenants to their new homes.
Fold’s development of 27 houses and six apartments is located on the site of former playing fields. The two and three bedroom homes have been built to high energy efficiency levels and include a range of eco features fitted as standard.
During his visit Minister McCausland (pictured right) said:
“The importance of good housing in people’s lives cannot be underestimated. Fold Housing Association is to be congratulated for providing these much needed houses and apartments in an area that continues to have a high housing need.”
The new houses have the latest developments in eco technology including rainwater harvesting to re-cycle water for use in flushing toilets and roof solar panels to assist water heating. Mr McCausland commented:
“My Department requires that all new social housing is built to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency. Having a warm, comfortable home to call your own is something we all aspire to. This new development certainly fits the bill and I have been most impressed by what I have seen.”
The Minister went on to praise the partnership between Fold Housing Association, Ards Borough Council, the Housing Executive and the local community that has facilitated part of the site being retained for a playground.
The Chair of Fold Housing Association, Billy Cameron (pictured below with Minister McCausland), stated:
“We are very pleased to see the tenants of Dunsy Green settling well into their new homes. We are grateful for the support of the local community and the assistance of the local representatives, the DSD and the Housing Executive.
“Dunsy Green will doubtless provide local people with much needed social housing in Comber and we at Fold are proud to be their partner of choice.”
The contractor, O’Hanlon and Farrell, picked up the 2011 ‘Northern Ireland Social Housing Development of the Year’ award from Premier Guarantee for the quality and workmanship employed on the site throughout the construction period.
Ends
Note to editors:
- Fold Housing Association manages some 5,000 homes for rent throughout Northern Ireland.
- This 33 unit scheme cost £4.2million to provide, including land, construction and associated on costs. The Department for Social Development funded £3million in grant through the Housing Executive and Fold funded £1.2million through private financing.
