David Hanson Opens North Belfast Housing Project

21 December 2005
DAVID HANSON OPENS NORTH BELFAST HOUSING PROJECT

Social Development Minister David Hanson MP yesterday opened a new Ł1.7million social housing development at Whitewell in North Belfast.
The Whitewell Court development by the Habinteg Housing Association consists of 18 homes including two with special facilities for disabled people. It was funded by a Ł1.2million grant from the Department for Social Development plus Ł502,000 private sector investment.
After touring the new homes and meeting residents, the Minister said:
"This project is an excellent example of how a derelict site that used to be a focus for anti-social behaviour can be transformed into a vibrant community. It was achieved through a partnership between government, the Habinteg Housing Association and the local community.
"I would like to congratulate everyone involved on an excellent job well done. Particular recognition is due to the design and construction teams and to Habinteg Housing Association for its role in bringing the project to fruition."
The Minister unveiled a commemorative plaque and art work carried out by children from the local primary school, St Mary's Star of the Sea, at the entrance to Whitewell Court.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Habinteg Housing Association is one of 38 associations (including the Co-ownership Association) registered with the Department and was established in 1977. Its first housing development was completed in Bangor, Co Down in 1982 and the association now has completed more than 40 housing schemes providing around 1400 homes with the assistance of Housing Association Grant (HAG) from the Department for Social Development.

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