Housing Executive tenants delighted with new kitchens

Housing Executive tenants delighted with new kitchens

16 March 2022

A SIGNIFICANT number of Housing Executive properties across the district are being modernised as part of a £1.2m investment to make them fit for the future.  

New kitchens are being fitted in 119 properties in the Downpatrick, Newcastle, Ballynahinch, Castlewellan and Crossgar areas, while homes in Ardglass, Killyleagh, Saintfield and Drumaness will also be upgraded as part of a £700,000 investment in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.

A number of homes in Portaferry are also in line for kitchen and bathroom improvements as part of a £500,000 investment in the Ards and North Down Council area.

Work on the major investment initiative, which has been widely welcomed by tenants, is expected to be completed by late spring. 

Anne Walsh, from Burrenwood Road, Castlewellan, has already had her home upgraded as part of the scheme and just loves her bright new kitchen.

“It has completely modernised my flat and looks so much better,” she said. “I’m absolutely delighted; it’s the bee’s knees. I’d really like to thank the Housing Executive from the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate the work that they do.”

Anne also revealed that all the improvement work carried out in her home was done safely and within Covid-19 guidelines.

Patrick Cochrane, from Cumber Hill in Drumaness, has already had his kitchen upgraded and is thrilled with the result. 

“It’s brilliant to have a bright new kitchen, it has really modernised my home,” he said, thanking the Housing Executive.

“Everything looks much cleaner and brighter. It’s a real pleasure to entertain my daughter and grandchildren in this kitchen.”

Portaferry mum-of-two Grainne Byers, who lives in Beechwood Avenue, is delighted with brand new renovations to her home.

“I have an older Housing Executive house and the kitchen and bathroom were very worn and tired,” she explained.

“They really did need a pick-me-up and the refit has made a tremendous difference. I love cooking in my new kitchen for my two boys. We feel like we’ve moved into the modern world,” she said.

Grainne said that in addition to being lovely to look at, her kitchen and bathroom are so much easier to clean.

She added: “I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fittings and would like to thank the Housing Executive for all its hard work, I’m absolutely delighted.” 

Ashley Baxter, the Housing Executive patch manager for Down District, said kitchen remodelling can be a daunting, but exciting event for tenants.  

“Committed and professional workers have transformed these homes and delivered beautiful, functional and modern kitchens,” he said.

“In particular, new wiring gives real peace of mind to our tenants that their homes will be fit for purpose for a very long time and we’ve kept our tenants involved as part of the process. “

Ashley explained they had one-to-one consultation with Executive staff to plan the layout of their new kitchen as well as choosing their own units and tiles. 

He added: “Well done to all involved and a big thank you to our tenants for their patience and perseverance, and to principal contractor, Engie, and subcontractor, O’Hare’s, for their hard work.”