As part of South Ulster Housing Association’s commitment to improving the knowledge and skill of its staff, the Association achieved the Bronze Award in Investors in People. Although the Association achieved this award in April 2009, the award ceremony was only held in Hillsborough Castle on the 25th November 2009.

Receiving the award from the Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, is the Association Chairman, Mr Arnold Hatch and Assistant Director, Mr Mark Turner. Mr Mark Turner, our Assistant Director commented “Investors in People has long been acknowledged as the most successful framework for business improvement through people. It helps organisations of every size, sector and location to compete and succeed through improved people performance.

South Ulster announces a major financial commitment to the improvement of its stock, with an Internal Improvement Scheme and an External Cyclical Scheme.

Also as part of its commitment to improve service, delivery and cost, the Association recently awarded its Maintenance Contracts on a Measured Term Contract.

Internal Improvements

This scheme will initially consist of 175 properties and will involve kitchen replacements, heating replacements, (as necessary) and installation of mains smoke and heat detectors. The contract period is 12 months and has a contract value of £505,000. The successful contractor awarded the scheme is Desmond Magee and Sons, based in Lurgan.

External Cyclical Maintenance

This scheme is to initially include 72 properties with the possibility of extending the contract. It will include carrying out external repairs to the roof and guttering and redecorating the exterior of the property.

The contract period is 6 months with a contract value of £108,000. The successful contractor for the scheme was Kingsway Building & Painting Contractors.

Measured Term

The Association transferred its Maintenance Contracts to Measured Term on the 1st September 2010.

The successful contractors appointed are:

          Braham Electrical: Electrical

          C M Construction: Building

          Kevin Magee & Son: Plumbing

          JMC Mechanical & Construction: Disabled Adaptations

It is anticipated that the Association will benefit financially from lower costs and a more efficient service to its tenants.

The Association is currently preparing to offer other areas of Maintenance on a Measured Term basis by early 2011.

  

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

South Ulster is continuing to develop and acquire properties to meet the increase in the demand for social housing.



'OFF THE SHELF' PURCHASES

Moore Road Kilkeel

This is a development of 7 dwellings which were purchased from a local developer. This is a new area of operation for the Association and confirms our commitment of expansion.


Chancellors Road Newry

The Association purchased 13 properties from a local developer, due to the high demand for social housing in Newry. This development consists of both owner occupation and social housing and has been a great success.


The Demesne Carnagat Newry

The Association acquired 20 properties from a local developer once again to meet the housing need in Newry. The Association has recently confirmed the acquisition of a second phase of 20 units which will be completed late January 2012.


169 Banbridge Road Kinallen

The Association, due to the demand for social housing in Kinallen, will soon be completing the purchase of 4 houses. Handover should be complete January/February 2012.

Hillcrest Gilpinstown Road Lurgan

The Association has recently received approval to acquire 7 dwellings in this development. This, once again, is a mixed development of owner occupation, private rental and social housing.



NEW BUILD SCHEMES

Rectory Road Lurgan

The Association has recently completed the construction of one special needs bungalow. This bungalow was specially designed for a family who had been on the waiting list for several years. The Association is grateful to the builder for completing the bungalow ahead of schedule, so that the family could move prior to Christmas.

Annaghdale Place/Garvaghy Road Portadown

This scheme of 3 special needs bungalows is due for completion early 2012. Once again they have been specifically designed for families who have been on the waiting list for several years.

  

Ennis Green Lurgan Phase II

This development consists of 8 dwellings including 2 special needs bungalows. Completion is due March 2012.


Murphy Crescent Newry

Canal Street Phase IV Newry

Roskeen Road Moygashel

The Association is currently awaiting planning approval for the above 3 schemes. The Association is optimistic of receiving approval early in 2012.