New housing scheme opens in Dunmurry

Clanmil Housing recently welcomed tenants to its new social housing scheme at Redwoods in Dunmurry.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Aug 2015, 08:00 BST
New tenants Oonagh McKee and Geraldine McKendrick (centre left and right) are welcomed to their new homes at the Monarch Building, Dunmurrry by Joji Min, Clanmils Tenancy Support Co-ordinator and Clanmil Chief Executive, Clare McCartyNew tenants Oonagh McKee and Geraldine McKendrick (centre left and right) are welcomed to their new homes at the Monarch Building, Dunmurrry by Joji Min, Clanmils Tenancy Support Co-ordinator and Clanmil Chief Executive, Clare McCarty
New tenants Oonagh McKee and Geraldine McKendrick (centre left and right) are welcomed to their new homes at the Monarch Building, Dunmurrry by Joji Min, Clanmils Tenancy Support Co-ordinator and Clanmil Chief Executive, Clare McCarty

The development, known as the Monarch Building, is Clanmil’s second apartment building at the Redwoods development and provides a further 46 one and two bedroom apartments, this time for people over the age of 50.

Two years ago Clanmil purchased the Semper apartments at the development for over 55s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both the Semper and Monarch Buildings were originally built for the private housing market but lay unsold for several years before being purchased by Clanmil.

Clare McCarty, Clanmil Housing Group Chief Executive said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome tenants to the Monarch Building.

“Next door, at the Semper Building, our tenants are well settled and already we can see the same sense of community developing here at The Monarch.

“It is wonderful to see such vibrancy in two buildings that stood empty for so long.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added: “Together, the Semper and Monarch Buildings provide a great living environment for our tenants with easy to manage apartments, excellent security and a convenient location, all of which will help them continue to live independently in a home of their own as they grow older.”

Oonagh McKee, one of the first people to move into the Monarch Building, is delighted with her new home.

She said: “I just love my apartment. Moving here is a fresh start for me – a beautiful bright new home and friendly neighbours.

“The apartments are really well finished and I’ve been enjoying putting my stamp on mine and really making it my own.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve made lots of new friends already and we are quickly becoming a very close knit community.

She continued: “It’s the sort of place where there’s always someone around if you want company but it’s really quiet and private too.”

Oonagh’s new friend and neighbour, Geraldine Kendrick, is also enjoying life at The Monarch Building.

She said: “I was in private rented accommodation before moving here and this is so much better.

“It’s great to have such a lovely space to call your own.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Since moving in, every morning has felt like Christmas morning - wakening up and realising that I’m really here, living in such a lovely place.

She also added: “I’m also close to my family which is important as I have health problems and sometimes need support.