25/07/2001

North Belfast homeless to benefit from improvements scheme

The Housing Executive have unveiled a new purpose-built housing unit as part of a new scheme designed to help homeless people in North Belfast.

An improvement scheme at Grainne House in the New Lodge area has included the creation of a new homeless unit comprising 20 flats. Other improved provisions of the £2 million refurbishment include a 24 hour concierge and security system, replacement damp proof courses, PVC windows and creche facilities.

Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the refurbished building, Housing Executive Chairman Sid McDowell described the development as very welcome, and that “improving housing conditions” had formed a major component of the organisations focus since the launch of the North Belfast Housing Strategy in October of last year.

Mr McDowell also revealed that the Executive would soon publish the result of an extensive in-house review of the area’s homelessness situation.

The North Belfast Housing Strategy is to receive a total spend of £5.8m for the coming twelvemonth period, and the Executive has pledged to build more than 300 new houses during that period of time.

Three new urban renewal areas in Glenbryn, Mountcollyer and Gainsborough have also been given the go-ahead by the Executive. (CL)

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