You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
‘We must build more social homes,’ says Northern Ireland communities minister
The new communities minister in Northern Ireland has said “we need to build more social homes to address growing housing stress”.
Setting out his priorities at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference in Belfast, Gordon Lyons said more social and affordable homes must be built, while people should be supported to “live independently in their own homes and feel part of their community”.
“We need to provide better quality homes so people can live comfortably and safely,” he said.
One in 34 people in Northern Ireland are legally classified as homeless, including 4,500 children.
There are more than 46,000 households – 86,000 individuals – on the social housing waiting list.
Mr Lyons was appointed last month after power-sharing was restored in the region.
READ MORE
He said “rents and mortgage rates are rising and there is massive demand for private rentals and social housing, yet over the last few years housebuilding has declined”.
“If we want to avoid sliding into a housing crisis, we must deliver the housing we need,” he added.
He said the work needs to be done at a time when budgets are under pressure across the public sector.
“However, we have to do it, as otherwise thousands more households and families will struggle to buy a home or pay their rent,” Mr Lyons said.
“These issues won’t be fixed quickly, or indeed easily. But now, more than ever, we need to work collectively – at all levels of government, with stakeholders, delivery partners and communities – to address the situation we face.”
The same day, the minister opened a new £102m development in West Belfast that is to be owned and managed by Apex Housing Association.
Called the Black Ridge, it is currently the largest housing development under construction in Northern Ireland and will provide 653 new homes, including 549 to be let at social rent and 104 affordable homes for sale through shared ownership.
In recent weeks, 50 of the first homes were handed over to residents, while the entire development is expected to be completed by 2028
Mr Lyons described it as a “landmark development” that is a “significant step in addressing the housing need which exists in this community”.
The scheme was supported by £52.4m of housing association grant funding from the Department for Communities and £49.4mm private finance investment by Apex.
Peter Caldwell, chair of Apex, said: “We are delighted to mark the official opening of Black Ridge and to recognise the impact that these new homes will have on local people and families.
“The scale of this development means it will continue to play a significant role in addressing the demand for social and affordable housing in West Belfast.
“We look forward to seeing this new community grow and develop in the coming years.”
Sign up for our Northern Ireland bulletin
Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters
