Social housing minister Mervyn Storey announces over 200 homes for Derry
SOCIAL Development Minister Mervyn Storey has cut the first sod on the largest social housing scheme in Derry.
The new scheme, on Skeoge Link Road, Galliagh, is being developed by Apex Housing Association and will deliver 197 new family homes for the people of Derry.
Work is due to complete in spring 2017.
The Minister also viewed work which is underway on another 11 new social homes at Moyglass Place, Strathfoyle.
This scheme, which is being developed by Choice Housing, is due to be completed in March 2016.
Together the schemes represent an investment of over £20 million for the city.
The Minister said: “The new scheme at Skeoge Link Road is the largest undertaken in Northern Ireland for over a decade. This is a major investment for derry and, coupled with the scheme at Strathfoyle, will make major inroads into housing waiting lists in the City.
“Everyone deserves somewhere they can call home and Housing Associations in Derry are doing a tremendous job in delivering social and affordable housing. Today I was able to see some of this excellent work for myself and meet the dedicated people who make it all happen.”
Gerry Kelly, Chief Executive of Apex Housing said: “Apex is delighted that Minister Storey has taken time out of his busy schedule to meet our staff and see firsthand our contribution to addressing social housing need on both sides of the River Foyle.”
Timothy Quin, Chairman of Choice added: “This investment in Derry reflects our commitment to work with the community and the Department for Social Development to deliver quality homes to meet local need.
“As a recently merged organisation we now have the capacity and expertise to create and deliver even more quality housing throughout Northern Ireland.”
During his visit, Minister Storey also met staff in Apex’s headquarters in Butcher Street, before visiting the Women’s Aid refuge at Ashleywood House where he met residents and staff and was briefed on proposals for a new Family Justice Centre for the City.
Speaking during his visit to Ashleywood House the Minster said: “Foyle Women’s Aid is highly committed to the service they give to others.
“They are to be commended for the sterling work they do in protecting women and children, providing them with support and a safe place to live when they are faced with crisis in their lives.
“I am also most impressed with the ambitious plans for the new Family Justice Centre which will provide a one stop shop for all agencies involved in helping and protecting vulnerable women and their children. This will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for the city and I wish Foyle Women’s Aid well with their endeavours.”
While in the City, the Minister also took the opportunity to visit the Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group who, thanks to funding from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, have transformed a once derelict piece of waste ground into a community growing space in Derry.
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