£1m investment for Fernabbey estate

Housing Association Apex has confirmed that it is to invest a £1m programme of works at properties across Fernabbey and Ferndale.
Sinn Fein Councillor Sandra Duffy examining some of the different fixtures and fittings residents can choose for their homes.Sinn Fein Councillor Sandra Duffy examining some of the different fixtures and fittings residents can choose for their homes.
Sinn Fein Councillor Sandra Duffy examining some of the different fixtures and fittings residents can choose for their homes.

The move has been welcomed by Sinn Fein Councillor Sandra Duffy, who has now urged residents to take the opportunity to choose their own fittings and fixtures for their homes.

Colr. Duffy was speaking after attending a consultation hosted in Skeoge House on the home improvement scheme , which is being introduced for the benefit of the local tenants.

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In a statement to the Journal, a spokeswoman for Apex Housing said:

“Apex is pleased to announce that as part of its routine planned and cyclical maintenance programme, a contractor has been appointed to carry out improvement works to 124 properties in Fernabbey and Ferndale.

“These works, costing almost £1m,include replacement / refurbishment of kitchens including-units, doors, worktops, wall tiling, floor covering and rewiring of the electrics and also a boiler replacement scheme.”

Under the boiler replacement scheme, tenants have been given the option to replace their existing oil fired boilers with new natural gas combination boilers.

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“For those tenants who do not wish to have gas installed, their boilers will be replaced with new high efficient condensing oil boilers,” the Apex spokeswoman said.

She added that the programme of work is due to commence in early April and last for eight months.

Colr. Duffy said the development was “welcome news” for residents living in the Fernabbey area.

“We have been calling for this scheme for a considerable period of time. Homes belonging to Apex tenants will receive brand new kitchens and gas heating.

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“I would urge residents who have not been able to get to the consultation to contact Apex where they will be given the opportunity to pick their new kitchen cupboards, tiles and work tops and decide if they want gas installed.”

She also concurred that work was expected to start within five weeks.

Outlining other Apex works across the north, the Apex spokeswoman meanwhile added:

“Apex have also recently commenced external redecoration to 1,100 homes, a boiler replacement scheme to 60 general needs homes and smoke, heat and C0 alarm replacement/upgrade to 279 homes at a cost of over £1m.”

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