Opening of New Offices of Flax Housing Association - 28 January 2010
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I should like to begin by thanking John and the Board of Flax Housing Association for inviting me here today to officially open these magnificent new offices. It really is a pleasure for me to be back with you again, to help celebrate this latest chapter in the life of your organisation.
I have already been shown around the new accommodation and have been most impressed by what I have seen. This initiative is entirely in keeping with the progressive ethos of your housing association. I congratulate all on a job well done.
And of course, the offices come with the added bonus of nine new social housing apartments above. I am delighted that my Department could provide capital funding to both parts of this development, to assist completion of the overall project.
As I travelled here this morning, I was reminded just how much Flax has contributed to the regeneration of this immediate area. Looking out from here, it is evident that vast areas of former dereliction have been transformed into vibrant, well established communities, where people obviously want to live.
In this small area alone, you have created almost 250 new homes to accommodate those in most urgent housing need. Holyrood House and McCorry House are providing comfortable, modern accommodation for our older citizens. Prospect Park and Herbert Street provide large numbers of family housing and now we have apartments on this site for single people. In addition, the Flax Foyer which I visited in 2008, is providing much needed housing and support for our young homeless people.
It is not overstating it to say that very many lives have been transformed here, because of the sterling work carried out by Flax Housing Association, on behalf of the local community.
My responsibilities for social development include both housing and regeneration and it is new buildings such as this that contribute to regeneration by improving the built environment. The replacement of a derelict building, which was no longer fit for purpose, with new construction and with employment and all this brings to the local economy, is a major enhancement to the area.
Additionally, you have plans to build a further 40 houses close by next year, so this new office is very well situated to serve the needs of a much increased housing portfolio and new population.
In not so many years you will celebrate your 25th anniversary. It is encouraging to know that you have put in place the infrastructure to carry you to that important milestone and well beyond. The grass is certainly not growing under the feet of Flax Housing Association.
As Minister for Social Development, my top priority is to increase the supply of social and affordable housing. Whilst I firmly believe that a house is first and foremost a home for individuals and families, I am also convinced that it is also the key building block to our entire social development.
That is why through the New Housing Agenda I want to deliver record numbers of new homes. This year we will deliver more new homes than at any time in the last decade and that is despite facing the very real economic challenges.
Flax Housing Association has always been a regular contributor to the Social Housing Development Programme. Since 1987, you have built up a stock of 431 properties for rent. I want that to continue and am again encouraged that you are already well established in the new Apex Procurement Group to make that a reality.
This new, state of the art office accommodation, will stand you in good stead to help me achieve the bigger programmes and challenges that lie ahead. It is an investment for the future and a statement of confidence which is much to your credit.
Mr Chairman - today is not just a social occasion. It is a declaration of commitment by a group of dedicated people and a highly professional organisation, to continue to provide quality services for those who need them most.
Flax Housing Association can look back with pride to all that has been achieved from your former location and no doubt look forward with confidence to future developments originating from this exciting new space.
Thank you for making such a positive difference to people’s lives and long may it continue.
It now gives me great pleasure to declare this new office accommodation well and truly open.
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