‘New home’ feel after Donard Fold upgrade

‘New home’ feel after Donard Fold upgrade

6 July 2022

DONARD Fold residents in Newcastle are enjoying a ‘new home’ feeling thanks to a £560,000 renovation and upgrade recently completed by Radius Housing. 

The major work — carried out by Downpatrick’s Hugh J O’Boyle Contractors —  has seen both internal and external redecoration, new kitchens, windows and doors installed, as well as fire safety works and upgrades to the insulation throughout the building. 

Donard Fold is a sheltered scheme, consisting of 25 self contained apartments with communal areas, with the recent renovations the latest stage of a wider investment Radius Housing is making to upgrade and improve properties across Northern Ireland. 

Radius Housing manages more than 13,000 homes in 80 towns across Northern Ireland, as well as providing supported housing with 24-hour care for frail and elderly people, people with dementia and those with learning difficulties; in addition it provides 12,000 day care placements. 

This year, Radius is increasing its assets investment to improve homes and residential care facilities to over £12m.

After the completion of the works at the Donard Fold in Newcastle, Radius Housing’s asset manager, Judith Gray, said the organisation recognises the importance of maintaining homes to the highest standard for tenants.

“This is why we are investing £12m in planned renovations, upgrades and redecoration in homes and sheltered schemes right across Northern Ireland,” she said.

“This is not just about how homes look, but also about ensuing the highest standards of safety and improving energy efficiency in our buildings. 

“We are delighted with the renovations at Donard Fold and the standard of work Hugh J O’Boyle has brought to this project. This £560,000 investment has helped bring more comfort to the homes of our tenants, and the feedback we have received has been extremely positive.”

Fold tenant, Ethel McGowan, is delighted with the renovation and upgrade work.

“What a transformation,” she said. “It makes one feel proud to be a tenant. It all looks so terrific, in fact I am so pleased that I posted a photograph of the front entrance and garden to an ex-tenant. 

“She too was very impressed with all she could see from the photograph – if she could see it all her eyes would be a goggle.”

Another resident, Mabel Smith, added: “I am very delighted with the improvements to Donard Fold. I am very proud that I was able to get such lovely accommodation, I have a lovely view and I can welcome friends and family. All is well.”