Social housing provider Arbour Housing is planning to build 150 houses across Northern Ireland in the coming months.
The developments in Omagh, Derry and Portadown are in addition to the 180 new homes it is currently building in Newcastle, Newry, Newtownabbey, Lurgan, and Lisburn and follow a steady period of growth for the organisation over the last few months.
Previously known as the South Ulster Housing Association, Arbour Housing, was established more than 40 years ago and since its inception in 1978 is well-known for developing social housing in areas of high housing need.
Chief Executive of Arbour Housing Kieran Matthews said the organisation has rebranded to eflect more accurately who it is rather than where it operates.
“We have a very ambitious growth agenda for the Association and have recently appointed three new Board members to help with strategic guidance throughout this period. Our new identity is a major part of helping us to fulfil those growth plans.
“When we started the process, we knew that we wanted something that expressed our vision of being more than a landlord,” he said. “We also put our tenants’ voice at heart of what we do. That fed into discussions, workshops and research and in the end we all agreed on Arbour.
“We liked the natural element of shelter and protection it suggests. It feels like a very good fit for us.”
While the signage in its headquarters in Portadown will change, there will be very little change for tenants. There will be no impact on their rents or tenancy agreements, and Arbour is confident it will continue to provide exceptional service and support.
“Social housing providers are a key partner for us in addressing housing need across Northern Ireland,” Grainia Long, Chief Executive of The Housing Executive, who spoke at the launch, said. “Housing have a strong track record of delivery and they have ambitious plans– I look forward to working with them in the future.”
