ALPHA Housing has announced plans to build at least 220 new homes over the next five years.
The housing association currently has a portfolio of 950 homes in 40 schemes across the north, primarily for older people and families.
Alpha confirmed the building programme after agreeing a £10m loan facility with Danske Bank.
Chief executive Cameron Watt said: “We are committed to providing housing that meets the needs and increasing aspirations of older people. Securing this loan facility means we can make a meaningful contribution to the sector’s overall efforts to address growing housing needs in Northern Ireland.”
He said the housing provider intends to pioneer a new generation of housing for older people.
“For the last five to 10 years there has been a focus on building family housing – which is much needed – but with an ageing population we need to provide more options for older people, including to downsize where appropriate.
“There is an urgent need for more housing that fulfils the growing expectations of older people. Alpha developments will be spacious, maximise natural light, provide attractive green space and be conveniently located for local amenities including transport links, shops and cafes. Taken together, all these factors help people sustain a good quality of later life,” said Mr Watt.
Dominic O’Neill from Danske Bank said: “Danske Bank is pleased to be playing a part in helping to address the shortfall in social housing in Northern Ireland while also enabling Alpha to sustain homebuilding and construction activity by investing in new housing stock.”
