The Stormont Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood has launched new family homes at Cedar Avenue in North Belfast.

The former crèche, with the addition of new building to the rear, has been transformed into five modern apartments by Ulidia Housing Association, with grant assistance from the Department for Social Development.

Designed to Lifetime Homes standard, the homes can be easily adapted to suit residents changing needs and additionally incorporate the very latest in energy saving and security features.

SDLP Minister Attwood said: "This is a real boost for Cedar Avenue and the tenants of the new apartments. Ulidia Housing Association is to be congratulated for bringing this fine old building back into beneficial use to provide high quality, energy efficient homes.

‘North Belfast has long suffered from high levels of housing stress. Over the past 10 years some £310million has been invested to improve housing in the area. This latest project is a further demonstration of my ongoing commitment to make things better for some of our most vulnerable citizens."

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The Minister continued: "Housing continues to be a key priority and this year we will build over 2,000 new homes, the largest number for over a decade. I will be doing my utmost to keep housing to the forefront of the Executive’s priorities."

Paddy Gray, Chair of Ulidia Housing Association, welcomed the Minister and said: "The association is delighted to have completed the refurbishment of this landmark building. These five new apartments will provide quality, affordable housing that complies with Lifetime Homes, Secure by Design and Eco Homes standards.

"On behalf of Ulidia, I welcome the residents and wish them every success in their new homes. I also want to thank the Housing Executive and the Department for Social Development for their support and also welcome this opportunity to acknowledge the assistance of the Cavehill and Antrim Road Regeneration Community Group in the development of this project."

Patrick Wilson, Chairperson of the Cavehill and Antrim Road Regeneration Group particularly welcomed the consultation process that brought the project to fruition. He added: "Community engagement has culminated with the provision of much needed social housing which meets the needs of the local and wider community whilst addressing the concerns of local residents. Ulidia deserves much credit.

"Congratulations are also offered to JNP Architects for the impressive design, the Planning Office for working to maintain the Lower Cavehill Road as an area of townscape character and contractors Hugh J O'Boyle for keeping residents informed and disruption to a minimum."

The event concluded with Minister Attwood extending New Year Wishes to all the residents for a long and happy stay in their new homes.

(GK)