General Needs Development
Following a challenging year, it is rewarding to report another successful year in the provision of new homes and the creation of better quality environments that will help to sustain our local communities.
The pressure to deliver new social units is greater than ever given rising numbers of people in housing need and increased political scrutiny and BIH was pleased to contribute to the success of the overall social housing movement in Northern Ireland in meeting its targets.
The Association works closely with its partners to deliver not just bricks and mortar but new thoughtfully designed environments that we hope will help to sustain the quality of life of our tenants and communities for years to come.
Partnership
BIH has always believed in partnership as the means to achieve successful outcomes for all. Once again the fruits of working together with the Department for Social Development, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and local residents groups can be seen with our work in Lagmore, Dundonald, Old Warren Estate and Upper Crescent Comber.
Procurement
BIH now procures its housing in a variety of ways to enable the association to compete in the current market. To this end BIH not only tenders contracts in the traditional manner but also works in partnership with private developers. BIH are also looking forward to participating in the Abacus Procurement Group.
On Site
261 units, encompassing 15 schemes, were on site at the beginning of this year. These included the work at Donegal Road, Belfast as part of the Greater Village Regeneration Trust as well as 50 new build properties at Upper Crescent, Comber, which is an area of great need. The Association is also developing 46 apartments at North Howard Street in West Belfast. This scheme was developed following extensive consultation with residents, building on our relationship established through the earlier construction of similar apartment blocks at Malcolmson Street.
Due on Site
BIH has a healthy and diverse range of schemes programmed to go on site during this financial year. The scheme at Rathgill Drive in Bangor will provide 28 units of general family accommodation with a mixture of houses and apartments. The Association will address housing need in Newtownards town centre with the construction of 42 apartments and a similar scheme in Dungannon will cater for the needs of 35 households.
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Ian GrahamDirector of Development