8 February 2005
JOHN SPELLAR LAUNCHES RODEN STREET HOUSING PROJECT
The first sod for a new development of 26 new homes at Roden Street in Belfast was cut today by John Spellar MP, the Minister for Social Development.
More than 100 people will be accommodated in a mix of houses and bungalows when the development is completed. The buildings will be constructed to the latest standards of energy efficiency and security and to Lifetime Home Standards.
The project is the result of a closer partnership between Government, the Housing Executive, Fold Housing and the local community. It is one of the first tangible signs of a major regeneration strategy for the Greater Village area of the Donegall Road over the coming years..
The Minister paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the project to provide much needed new homes for local people. He said:
"I am sure that a real and effective partnership has been formed with the local community and the Housing Executive and this should help ensure the successful regeneration of the area and provide the residents with a safe and attractive environment in which to live.
"I visited the area back in November and I am very pleased to be back to see a start being made to these new homes. This social housing development scheme is a welcome ‘early win’ for the regeneration of the area and is an important contribution to the work that has been ongoing to ensure that the much needed infrastructure is in place to take Neighbourhood Renewal forward."
Paddy McIntyre, the Housing Executive’s Chief Executive added:
"The regeneration of the Greater Village is a key priority for the Housing Executive and I am delighted to see these first new homes being built by Fold on land transferred by the Housing Executive."
"We have worked closely with the Greater Village Regeneration Trust (GVRT) on all our plans for regeneration of this area. It is a credit to both GVRT and Fold Housing Association that this important new scheme is now underway and I have no doubt this new development will make a significant contribution to the overall improvement of both Roden Street and the wider Donegall Road area."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Fold Housing Association is one of 39 registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland and was established in 1976. It is one of the leading providers of sheltered and family accommodation. It has completed some 120 housing schemes providing around 3,500 homes with the assistance of housing association grant from the Department for Social Development.
Click here to print this press release.
