GEDA - Margaret Ritchie cuts first sod at Breda

06 May 2009

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today officially cut the first sod to launch a new housing scheme at Breda Park, Newtownbreda.

The development by Oaklee Housing Association, assisted by £4.3million funding from the Department for Social Development, will provide 22 two bedroom apartments for active older people and 12 two and three bedroom family houses. Construction by Geda Construction is about to get underway, with completion planned for August 2010.

Designed to Lifetime Homes standard, the homes can be easily adapted as residents' physical circumstances change. In addition, the recommendations of the Crime Prevention Design Advisor from the PSNI have been incorporated into the design of the dwellings to ensure that residents feel safe and secure. The properties will all be built to Level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which ensures a high level of energy efficiency.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome this scheme which is the first step in providing much-needed homes for Newtownbreda. My aim for Northern Ireland is a shared future. That includes older people living side by side with younger families. This scheme will provide state of the art apartment accommodation for people over 55 years of age, alongside family housing. All will be able to take advantage of an array of energy saving, design and security features.

“The delivery of highly efficient and sustainable social housing is a key priority for me, particularly in these times of high energy costs. I wish the future residents well and am sure they will appreciate their safe, energy efficient homes.”

The Geda team commencing construction include Damian Murray and Chris Stinson.