The shortlist for The Annual Chartered Institute of Housing Awards has been announced and we are delighted to be featured in two categories; Excellence in Communications and Best Housing Story.
The redevelopment of 126 Strand Road will showcase the power of good communications and marketing. 126 Strand Road, located in Derry~Londonderry, is one of the largest housing renovation and refurbishment projects to be undertaken in the vibrant city. Reconfigured from a flourmill to student accommodation in the 1980s, over time the building required modernisation and was plagued by reports of anti-social behaviour. This project has completely changed the community’s perception of this scheme into a highly desirable place to live. Choice works hard to ensure our high quality, affordable homes are at the centre of thriving communities.
Choice will also be competing in the Best Housing Story category with Amazing Spaces project at Aughrim Court. Friendships, feelings of belonging and improved mental health; these are just some of the outcomes from this project in Kilkeel. This simple garden project has had a huge impact. With the involvement of residents, local community groups and staff volunteers the overgrown, unused space was transformed. Aughrim Court now boasts a wildflower garden, peace garden, river rockery and most importantly a sense of achievement among the residents.
This category is decided by a public vote, you can support Aughrim Court by voting here- http://www.cih.org/ni/awards/vote
A total of 8 agencies and 56 people, aged from 11 to 87, contributed, working a total of 488 person hours. This project is an outstanding example of how housing can deliver positive impacts on individuals’ lives, and for that reason we feel that there can be no better example of the best housing story.
Oaklee Housing, one of the Choice group companies has also been shortlisted. Project Acorn will complete in the Team of the Year category.
We are very much looking forward to learning about all the shortlisted projects and initiatives within the housing sector at the CIH Annual Awards in February and we wish our colleagues, partners and fellow nominees the very best of luck.
