CLANMIL PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN £200M DEAL FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES
14 November 2007
The social housing sector received a massive shot in the arm as three leading housing associations confirmed a finance raising deal with banking group Barclays worth almost £190m and is set to deliver 1,000 affordable homes for Northern Ireland.
Left to Right Clare McCarty, Ian Elliott, Niall Quinn and Jean Fulton
Clanmil Housing, BIH and Oaklee have come together to secure £55m which is hoped will leverage a further £135m in statutory funding in a move has been welcomed by Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie MLA. Between them, the three associations will implement a building programme that will deliver more than 1,000 new homes across Northern Ireland.
Clare McCarty Chief Executive Clanmil, said: "Faced with the challenge of maximising the resources available for social housing, the three associations came together to consider more innovative ways to finance our future development plans. By combining our finance requirement, Barclays were able to provide us with a very competitive deal that meets the exact needs of the three partners."
Applauding the three Associations for collaborating to secure the deal, Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie MLA welcomed this joint approach from three of the largest Housing Associations in Northern Ireland in combining to secure an excellent finance deal with Barclays. The Minister said "This innovative approach is in line with my Department"s push to attract new partnering arrangements in the Procurement activities of Housing Associations and the broad principles of the Semple Report in providing investment for affordable housing in Northern Ireland".
Jean Fulton Group Chief Executive BIH said: "The demand for social housing is on the increase and we know that Northern Ireland requires at least 2,000 new social dwellings annually to be able to meet local housing need.
"While Northern Ireland has undoubtedly benefited from the recent increases in house prices, the number of people who are unable to afford to purchase their own home is rising daily. If we are to avoid a housing crisis we have to add to the number of social housing dwellings available locally. To do this, the right kind of funding is crucial."
Barclays has had a business banking presence in Northern Ireland for more than 10 years. Niall Quinn, Director, who led the transaction on behalf of Barclays said the deal was the latest in a series of major deals that Barclays has managed on behalf of a range of local companies and organisations. "We are delighted to be able to put together this deal which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland,".
"One of the benefits that Barclays is able to bring to local customers is access to a wealth of competitive options from across the group. This deal illustrates out ability to put together tailored solutions that in this instance will be used to deliver much needed social housing."
Ian Elliott Chief Executive Oaklee, said: "This is the first time that three housing associations have come together to secure funds that will enable us all to access government money that will be used to build 350 homes. We are delighted with the solution that Barclays has been able to put together and the benefits that will be delivered to all three partners and the community."
By coming together through group procurement, the three associations delivered significant savings via economies of scale. "With associations under pressure to deliver more social housing with less money, this was an excellent example of innovative thinking" added Niall.
PETER’S ‘ENERGY’ REAPS REWARDS
14 November 2007
Peter Kane, Maintenance Manager with Clanmil Housing, has been recognised for his work in the promotion of energy efficiency measures throughout the organisation.
Peter Kane receiving his award from the Chairman of the Housing Council, Dineen Walker
At an awards ceremony at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Peter was runner up in the Jack Bailie category of the Northern Ireland Housing Council Awards 2007.
The Jack Bailie Award was first presented by the Housing Council in 1997 and is named after Mr Jack Bailie, who was formerly the Chief Local Government Auditor. The award is presented annually to a Housing Executive/Housing Association member of staff who introduces an added-value initiative in the delivery of housing services.
Carol McTaggart, Director of Property Services with Clanmil Housing was delighted that Peter has been recognised for his contribution to energy efficiency. She said:-
“Clanmil Housing places great importance on the reduction of carbon emissions and indeed, the environment is one of the Association’s key themes in its current Strategic Plan. Over the last few years we have introduced a number of energy efficiency measures throughout our existing homes and new build programme in an effort to alleviate fuel poverty and comply with Decent Homes Standards. Peter has been pivotal in coordinating this significant piece of work, and the successful outcome of energy efficiency within Clanmil, has been through the enthusiasm and determination of Peter to see this important work come to fruition.”
Peter himself is delighted with the award and said:-
The environment is now, more than at any time before, right at the heart of all that we do. It is important that we all contribute in some way to the reduction of needless energy waste. At Clanmil, we have done a lot in a short space of time in terms of energy efficiency but there is still much more that we can do and we at Clanmil will do all that we can to ensure the carbon footprint of Clanmil Housing is reduced further still.
Brennen Court Cleans up at SuperValu Best Kept Awards
24 October 2007
Brennen Court, Magherafelt has taken a top title in the prestigious SuperValu Best Kept Town, Village and Housing Area Awards and is one of the scheme’s Golden Anniversary winners.
Pictured at the SuperValu Best Kept Awards celebrating Brennen Court’s success are L-R Patrick Quigley, Malcolm Wilson, SuperValu Brand Manager Jackie McCloskey, NIAC President Doreen Muskett MBE, NIAC patron Joe Mahon and Matt Hyndman.
The annual awards scheme is organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and sponsored by independent retail group SuperValu.
Doreen Muskett MBE, President of NIAC said;
“Brennen Court is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by a community when they work together to keep an area clean and green. The judges were impressed with the obvious civic pride in the area and that is exactly what being a Best Kept winner is all about.”
“This is a very special year for the SuperValu Best Kept Awards. For half a century the awards have attempted to motivate people to make the most of their outdoor spaces, to protect our diverse wildlife and plant life and make Northern Ireland a better place to live and work. The winning communities have demonstrated their commitment in all of these areas and deserve the title of Northern Ireland’s Best Kept.”
The Awards were presented in the glorious surroundings of Hillsborough Castle, and tenants from Brennen Court were there to receive their award from TV personality Joe Mahon. Clanmil’s Communications Officer Jim Pow was delighted that Brennen Court had won the ward for the second time in three years.
“Clanmil takes great pride in the way their housing schemes look and has supported the Best Kept Awards for a number of years. By taking an active interest in their own gardens, as well as helping out in communal areas, tenants play an important role in making sure their schemes look as good as they do – it’s also a great way of keeping fit and healthy. “
Jim added that “This year 14 Clanmil Housing Schemes submitted entries to the Best Kept Awards and the judges were very impressed with all of our entries. However, there can only be one winner and we hope the success of Brennen Court in winning this prestigious award will encourage others to take part in the competition next year.”
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