News
The project, spearheaded by Ark Housing, and officially launched today by the newly elected Lord Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council Ruairi McHugh, will see the construction of 131 much-needed social homes which will not only address critical housing need in the locality, but also generate substantial economic benefits for the area to the tune of £45m.
The development, being delivered by the Martin Property Group in partnership with Ark Housing, and constructed by Hugh J. O'Boyle LTD, will not only provide modern city living with superb views of the River Foyle, but it will also be supported by the Department for Communities and Housing Executive’s Shared Housing programme ‘Housing for All.’
The ‘Housing for All’ programme has its origins in the Northern Ireland Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflects the NI Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. The aim of the Shared Housing ‘Housing for All’ programme is not about forcing people to live in a certain way or in a certain area, but rather to improve the choices that are available to people by tackling the barriers that prevent them from opting to live in shared neighbourhoods.
As a result of being designated a Shared Housing “Housing for All” scheme, the project will also benefit from additional revenue grant funding from the Department for Communities and NIHE of approximately £800,000, which will be invested by Ark Housing in community building programmes and initiatives in partnership with the local community, and through their five-year Good Relations Plan. The newly established Foyle Advisory Group will help steer and oversee the delivery of the good relations plan for the area, which will include ‘bridging’ events with the aim of delivering a range of positive outcomes in areas such as health and wellbeing, education, and community sustainability. This is Ark Housing’s seventh such project.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Jim Mc Shane, Chief Executive of Ark Housing Association, stated:
“Through collaborative efforts, we are not only providing 131 much-needed social homes to families and older persons facing housing stress, but we are also making a substantial £24m investment that will deliver significant economic benefits to the city. This project is also about restoring dignity, building a thriving community, and ensuring a lasting positive legacy for this historic site and we are delighted to be partnering the people of Derry in this initiative.”
The newly elected Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh welcomed the project – “"This is a significant investment of £24 million, a testament to the power of partnership, which includes vital capital funding from the Department for Communities and private finance from Ark Housing Association. It is a momentous occasion for the city that goes beyond bricks and mortar, but addresses a critical need for social housing in our city, providing 131 much-needed homes for families and older persons. These modern city homes, with superb views of the River Foyle, will not only offer quality living but will also foster a more united and shared society through the 'Housing for All' programme, which is at the heart of this development. The investment will also generate substantial economic benefits for our region, contributing to economic growth, creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. The Tillie and Henderson site holds a special place in Derry's history, and it is fitting that it is now being transformed to provide a lasting positive legacy for future generations and I was honoured to be invited along to the sod cutting event this week.”