Radical overhaul and potential ‘buy back’ of 52 Waterside homes

The works programme is designed to eliminate water ingress at the flats and maisonettes in the Triangle.

A business case has been approved and provision has been made for the Housing Executive to ‘buy back’ properties that have been sold to private leaseholders.

In a letter to Foyle MLA Martina Anderson, the minister explained: “These plans will address long standing issues in the 52 flats and maisonettes, most critically eliminating water ingress.

“The plan which has now been approved involves the Housing Executive taking a holistic and radical approach which will see an extensive refurbishment programme overhauling 52 properties at a cost of around £2.5m.

“The plan also includes provision for the Housing Executive to ‘buy back’ those properties which have been sold to private leaseholders.”

Ms. Anderson said it was brilliant news for local residents

“These plans, worth £2.5 million, will address long standing issues at 52 properties and eliminate problems where water has been leaking into homes.

“The changes will also allow the Housing Executive to buy back properties in the area so that vital repair works can be carried out.

“This follows a decade-long campaign by residents and during the summer we brought Carál Ní Chuilín to meet with them and see the condition of the homes for herself.

“It’s fantastic that these vital improvements happen in line with Sinn Féin’s commitment that everyone should have access to safe, stable and affordable housing.

“I will continue to work with residents in the Triangle while this much-needed work is carried out and completed,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.

Foyle SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin said: “This is a project close to my heart, which I have been campaigning on first as a councillor and now as an MLA, along with councillor colleagues Martin Reilly and Sean Mooney. The Waterside Triangle has long been neglected and the refurbishment of buildings, along with the construction of a new youth centre on Dungiven Road and regeneration of Spencer Road will bring important improvements to this part of the Waterside.”