Ulidia Housing Association has won two prestigious UK housing awards for its "Shared Future" social housing scheme in Enniskillen.

The development at Carren Crescent is Northern Ireland's first mixed community social housing development and is the result of a partnership between Ulidia and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The UK Housing Awards 2007, held in London, celebrate excellence in the wider housing sector. Against strong competition, Ulidia picked up the top award for Outstanding Achievement in Housing in Northern Ireland and went on to win the Outstanding Achievement in Housing Overall UK title.

-- Advertisement --

Assembly Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, said: "It is a testament to Ulidia that its groundbreaking work has been recognised at such a high level. This is the first time that the overall UK award has come to Northern Ireland.

"Carran Crescent is an inspiring example of residents from different religious and ethnic backgrounds choosing to live and participate in the same community. It points the way forward for identifying ways in which imbalances in social housing patterns can be addressed."

Ulidia is one of 35 'building for rent' registered housing associations operating in Northern Ireland. Based in Belfast it has a stock of some 800 houses throughout the country. Formed in 1977 it was initially a builder of lone parent accommodation, but is now also a major provider of family housing.

(GK/JM)