New Homes in Charlemont

Minister Storey visits new Choice homes in Armagh

Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, officially opened a new £500,000 Choice housing scheme in Charlemont, Co Armagh.

The scheme consists of four new family homes which have been built on a previous derelict site on the Church View estate. It was completed by Choice Housing Association with assistance from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Department for Social Development.

Speaking at  the official opening, Minister Storey said “One of my first engagements as Social Development Minister was cutting the sod at this Charlemont scheme. It brings me great pleasure to return today for the ribbon cutting and see at first hand the culmination of hard work by Choice, the Housing Executive and my Department who have transformed a once derelict site into high standard family homes.

During the visit, the Minister also viewed the home of new resident Ms Nicole Campbell who has recently moved into the development with her baby son.

The Minister continued: “This new development means that four families from the local community have had the opportunity to be housed in familiar surroundings.

“I am committed to delivering social homes to those who need them and this also includes a commitment to building more homes in rural areas.

“I know from chatting to Nicole that her new house has made a big difference to her and her son.  I want to thank all the residents for taking the time to welcome me today and I wish them well in their new homes.”

Ian Elliott, Chief Executive, Services of Choice Housing, said: “This scheme enhances the vibrancy of our rural communities, providing affordable, modern family homes in Charlemont and has helped alleviate housing waiting lists in the area while providing a bespoke Wheelchair Bungalow for a family with complex needs.

Building works commenced in September 2014 and the Association accepted handover in August 2015. We appreciate the work of all the firms in the design team, ably led by McGirr Architects, and the quality of the finished product provided by M. J. McBride Construction Limited.  May I also express our sincere appreciation for the ongoing support we have received from the DSD and the Housing Executive. Finally, we wish all our tenants every happiness in their new homes.”