Privately Developed Lurgan Scheme Welcomes First Social Tenant

The first tenant living on a Lurgan social housing development, bought from a private developer, has received their keys.

Housing Minister Margaret Richie welcomed the new tenant, who will live on the James Street/Mark Street scheme in the town.

The social housing project will provide accommodation for around 100 people by the end of November.

A mix of 29 dwellings, the off-the-shelf scheme offers three bedroom townhouses and two bedroom apartments, developed by the Armagh based firm Moss Construction (NI) Ltd in partnership with the South Ulster Housing Association.

Director of the South Ulster Housing Association Sam Preston said that the new scheme, supported by the Department for Social Development, made an important, immediate contribution to social housing needs in the area which is one of the highest levels in NI.


He said: "We are very pleased to be associated with Moss Construction and the acquisition of these dwellings will provide a range of very suitable accommodation to meet urgent need.

"The scheme not only provided much needed dwellings but also makes good use of a brown field derelict site which was a blight in the area.

"We are also pleased with the excellent standard of work carried out by Moss Construction and the co-operation to ensure the completed dwellings meet with our standards of design," he added.

Members of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) see the announcement as a crucial confidence boost to the industry.

"Where there is a clearly identified social housing need, and where it represents good value it makes sense for public money to be spent on purchasing existing housing stocks. It also gives a welcome boost to the industry and those employed in it at a time when it’s most needed," said John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director.

(PR/JM)