TOP CLASS CLANMIL CELEBRATES INSPECTION SUCCESS
15 July 2010
Simon Hamilton MLA, Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Social Development Committee, joined Clanmil Housing staff and tenants today to celebrate a “gold star” result following inspection by the Department for Social Development (DSD).
To date, Clanmil is the only one of Northern Ireland’s 36 registered housing associations to ever have been awarded the top rating by DSD for their performance in each of the four key areas of operation assessed – Corporate Governance and Housing Management, Property Development, Property Management and Financial Management.
DSD is responsible for regulating social housing in Northern Ireland and inspects local housing associations every three years.
Congratulating Clanmil on their unprecedented success, Mr Hamilton said;
“Everyone at Clanmil Housing should be extremely proud of this outstanding result. To achieve excellence in every area of work assessed is no mean feat and clearly demonstrates that Clanmil is indeed a leading force in Northern Ireland’s social housing sector. “
Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing, Clare McCarty, is delighted with the inspection result. She said;
“Clanmil Housing is committed to providing high quality, affordable homes for rent in areas where the need for housing is greatest. We work extremely hard to find and deliver housing solutions that really meet the needs of the communities we serve and a top rating across all areas of our work by the Department is a reflection of the commitment, calibre and professionalism of each person who works for Clanmil.”
Clare added; “But we aren’t resting on our laurels. Our staff are continually looking for new and innovative ways to bring more affordable housing to those who need it most.”
CLANMIL IN BLOOM 2010
14 July 2010
We know that many of you take great pride in the maintenance or your gardens to ensure they are bright and colourful throughout the Summer. Some of you also play an active role in assisting with gardening at your scheme which is also very welcome.
To celebrate your hard work, and to encourage others to follow suit, we are once again running the ‘Clanmil in Bloom Competition’ in 2010.
We would encourage as many of you as possible to take part in the competition in some capacity, either as an individual, or collectively for the benefit of your home, scheme or street.
If you would like to enter the competition please contact your Maintenance or Housing Officer by 23 July 2010. They will arrange for a photo to be taken of your scheme when your flowers are in bloom. Scheme Coordinators can submit entries in writing on behalf of schemes.
There are some excellent prizes on offer -
1. Best overall Independent Living (sheltered housing) scheme/Housing with Care home – £100 worth of spring/summer flowering bulbs (supplied and planted).
2. Best overall family development or single persons scheme - £100 worth of spring/summer flowering bulbs for the common garden area (supplied and planted).
3. Best kept individual garden in a general housing scheme - £30 gift voucher
4. Best kept individual garden in an independent living (sheltered housing) scheme - £30 gift voucher.
Two additional categories included in this years competition include:
5.Most improved overall Independent Living scheme - £50 worth of spring/ summer flowering bulbs for the common garden area (supplied and planted).
6.Most improved family development or single person scheme - £50 worth of spring/ summer flowering bulbs for the common garden area (supplied and planted).
Winners plaques will be supplied and fitted for each individual category winner.
Conditions of the competition and entry forms are available here
Judging take place in August/September 2010, and just to give you a head start, here are some tips on what the judges will be looking for -
- Use of colour;
- General tidiness and absence of litter;
- Condition of tubs and baskets;
- Design of gardens;
- The ‘wow’ factor.
Good Luck to everyone!
'CURTAIN UP' AT NEW CURZON HOMES SAYS ATTWOOD
1 July 2010
It was lights, camera, action today as Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood MLA, officially opened the new Curzon apartment complex in Belfast.
Minister Attwood was joined by cinematic icons, Clint Eastwood, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Indiana Jones as he marked the official opening of the new 42 apartment development, on the site of the former Curzon cinema.
The apartments, which are owned and managed by Clanmil Housing Association, have been allocated to people from the social housing waiting list. The different religious and cultural background of occupants will ensure a shared future for tenants.
Minister Attwood said: “I am delighted to launch this new ‘shared’ residential development at the Curzon. This builds on the efforts in the area and other areas to create a new order of things. At times it is very difficult even perilous but it is the certain way to go.
“I commend all the tenants who have signed up to be part of the shared ethos of the area thus consolidating the great work that has already been delivered in the Ballynafeigh area through the Shared Neighbourhood Programme.
“The Curzon scheme goes beyond meeting housing need. It is part of a new future for housing in Northern Ireland. The people who live in these developments know they are not utopias devoid of problems, however, I firmly believe that shared housing offers a great opportunity for a more inclusive and sustainable future for our society.”
Speaking at the event, Clanmil Chief Executive, Clare McCarty added: “There has been 100% sign up to the shared futures initiative by our tenants who all share a common goal - the desire to live together in a peaceful and secure environment, respecting their neighbours. These families are helping to shape the future of housing in Northern Ireland and we wish them well as they settle into their new homes and new community.”
During his visit to the complex, Alex Attwood was introduced to new tenant, Katie Whyte, who showed the Minister around her new home.
Katie said; “We’ve all settled really well in our lovely new homes. The apartments are modern and bright and in such a great place, so close to the city centre with everything you could need.
“Although myself and the other tenants may be different from each other in some ways, everyone is getting on well together. This is how I want my family to live and I’m sure the other tenants feel the same way. I don’t really think about it as shaping the future, it’s just a lovely place to raise my son.”
Alex Attwood added: “The New Housing Agenda launched by my predecessor Margaret Ritchie, placed the delivery of a shared future at the heart of all the Department’s endeavours in housing. A shared future remains close to my heart and I will continue to build on Margaret’s legacy by working to create not just ‘mixed’ neighbourhoods but truly ‘integrated’ communities.”
Attwood opens new social housing at East Belfast Pottinger’s Quay
26 May 2010
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood opened a new housing development of 27 family apartments at Pottinger’s Quay in East Belfast today.
Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood and Clanmil Chair, Joan Baird welcome young tenant, Connalith Dobbin to Pottingers Quay
The homes, purchased by Clanmil Housing as part of the Laganside Corporation initiative, bring to completion the £10 million regeneration of the Pottinger’s Quay riverside development. This latest social housing provision sits alongside two previously completed blocks of private residential accommodation and incorporates a childcare day centre run by a local community group.
Minister Attwood said: “Today celebrates the provision of much needed new housing for East Belfast and the Short Strand area and completes this landmark residential development of private and social housing. This clearly demonstrates how government and the private sector working together can regenerate and transform areas to create vibrant new communities.”
The £4 million block of two bedroom apartments has been finished to the highest standards and has been allocated to those in urgent housing need. During a tour of the premises, the Minister took the opportunity to call on resident Adele Dobbin and welcome her to her new home.
The Minister continued: “Having a home is one of the most fundamental rights a person can have. Social housing is now at its highest level for over a decade and as Minister for Social Development I intend to maintain that focus. A decent home for everyone will be at the heart of all my endeavours.”
Joan Baird, Chair of Clanmil Housing welcomed the Minister to Pottingers Quay. She said: “Clanmil is committed to providing high quality affordable homes for rent in areas of high housing need and we have worked in partnership with the private sector and local community representatives to successfully deliver these beautiful waterfront homes in an area where the demand for social housing is particularly high.
We are delighted to welcome our new tenants to Pottingers Quay and wish them well as they settle into their new homes and new community.”
Adele Dobbin, a tenant at the new scheme, was pleased to show the Minister around her new home. She said: “I am pleased that I was offered one of these apartments by Clanmil. It’s really modern and bright and in such a great place, beside the river and so close to the city centre. I have settled well into my new home and I look forward to many happy years here.”
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