Up to 70 New Homes for Cityside

Fold Housing Association has launched a new design and build competition for up to 70 new homes for the Cityside area of Derry~Londonderry.

The proposal forms part of Fold''s ambitious programme to deliver 400 new homes across the country this year.Fold has just completed the 280th home at Glenabbey, Skeoge in Derry-Londonderry which comprised a range of accommodation including highly energy efficient apartments and houses, a state of the art play park, viewing and wild flower area. These new homes were delivered in partnership with Braidwater and Derry City Council and illustrate that high quality homes and grounds can be built through collaborative working.

Anita Conway, Director of Development said, "This new design and build competition offers developers the opportunity to design and construct the new homes on their land rather than just sell the land.If the land owner has an opportunity to build out their land and Fold deliver 70 new high quality homes then it is a win- win for everyone concerned.

It is hoped that through this competitive design and build process, not only will we  provide much needed new social homes,  but will also boost local employment opportunities in the construction sector."

She added, "Fold Housing Association are delighted that this innovative tendering route has cross party support as we strive to meet the ever-increasing housing need and work towards alleviating housing stress.Over the past four years there has been a 30% increase in people on the housing waiting list for the Derry City area, with 66% of applicants classified as being in housing stress at March 2014 (Source NIHE).

We are keen to run the design and build competition in Derry-Londonderry as there is a lack of suitable sites available to Fold to purchase and we believe that this provides an alternative route for developers to get involved in the provision of social housing. Fold are continually looking for new ways to deliver quality, affordable homes with a range of partners. Developers interested in Fold''s Competitive Design and Build for the Cityside should visit http://www.nifha.org/tenders/ for full details.

Pictured at the launch the design and build competition during Fold''s Board Strategy Workshop in Derry-Londonderry:  (back) Martina Anderson MEP, Cameron Watt, NIFHA, John McLean, Chief Executive, Fold, Minister of the Environment, Mark H Durkan MLA, Gregory Campbell MP MLA, (front) Diana Fitzsimons, Chair, Fold and Derry City Council Deputy Mayor, Gary Middleton.