Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has officially opened new Belfast offices for Apex Housing Association.

Apex, with its headquarters in L'Derry, has significantly increased its housing stock in recent years and is relocating its Belfast operation to a site at The Gasworks on the Ormeau Road. The new premises will accommodate a total of nine staff that will serve the Greater Belfast area and the south east of the province on a range of housing related matters.

In addition to being a major housing for rent provider, Apex, through subsidiary Fairbuild Homes, is also now moving into building affordable housing for sale. A first development of 17 three-bedroom homes at Victoria Road, Sydenham is planned to start later this month. All will be available either for outright sale or part purchase part rent through Apex’s new shared equity scheme.

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Minister McCausland said: "I am impressed by what I have seen today. Apex is one of our biggest housing associations and makes a large contribution to meeting housing need throughout Northern Ireland, not only in terms of housing for rent and regeneration initiatives, but now housing for sale.

"My new Housing Strategy focuses on the need for everyone to have the opportunity to access good quality housing. Apex, with its stock of almost 4,000 homes for rent and 900 more under construction at over 50 different locations, contributes to this aim.

"I welcome Apex's move into affordable housing for sale. Alongside the existing Co-Ownership scheme, this will provide new opportunities for those wanting to get on the first rung of the housing ladder. It is good to see a success story that is delivering so comprehensively for the people of Northern Ireland."

(CD/MH)