7 September 2005
DAVID HANSON MP VISITS £3.4 MILLION EDEN HOUSING PROJECT
Modern homes built to 'Lifetime Homes' standards have replaced former 'Orlit' dwellings at Eden, near Carrickfergus, built just after the War.
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today visited the Fold Housing development, where more than 200 people are now accommodated in high-quality homes following an investment of £3.4million. The Minister planted a tree to mark the completion of the first two phases.
He said: "There is quite a contrast between these new homes and those they replaced. This reflects the passage of time and the progress that has been made in social housing standards over five decades. From the pressures of providing basic housing in the shortest possible time just after the War, we have moved to an era where social housing now meets the highest standards of quality, comfort, safety and energy efficiency.
"I am very impressed with how the residents, the Government and Fold Housing Association worked together to develop such a successful scheme. There is a tremendous sense of community. I believe this has been achieved through successfully retaining many of the original tenants."
The new scheme replaced the previous "Orlit" houses which had been in place for almost 50 years. Sixty one new homes were constructed and there is potential for further development. The project was transferred to Fold Housing Association from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The development comprises a mix of houses and bungalows which are all constructed to the latest standards of energy efficiency and security and to Lifetime Home Standards. It is the result of a close partnership between the Government, the local community, Fold Housing Association and the Housing Executive.
The Minister paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the project which is providing much needed new homes for local people.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Fold is one of 39 registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland and was established in 1976. 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.
- Orlits were system-built houses constructed immediately after the war. Among the problems that were later identified was corrosion in the reinforcement in the concrete, asbestos and rotting timbers.
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