Housing Executive cooks up a treat with new Co Down kitchens

Patrick Cochrane and his granddaughter Holly enjoy a cuppa in their new kitchen along with Housing Executive patch worker Carole Toner and James Johnston, from Engie. Homes across Co Down are benefiting from a major £700,000 upgrade investment.
Patrick Cochrane and his granddaughter Holly enjoy a cuppa in their new kitchen along with Housing Executive patch worker Carole Toner and James Johnston, from Engie. Homes across Co Down are benefiting from a major £700,000 upgrade investment.

Housing Executive tenants in towns across Co Down are having their homes modernised as part of a major £700,000 investment.

Brand new kitchens are being fitted in 119 homes in Drumaness, Crossgar, Ardglass and Killyleagh.

Other towns included in the scheme are Downpatrick, Castlewellan, Newcastle, Ballynahinch and Saintfield, with the work due to complete later in the spring.

Tenant Patrick Cochrane has already had his kitchen at Cumber Hill, Drumaness, upgraded and he’s thrilled with the result.

“It’s brilliant to have a bright new kitchen, it has really modernised my home,” he said.

“I would really like to thank the Housing Executive – people under-estimate the work that they do.

“Everything was done safely within Covid-19 guidelines too – I’m absolutely delighted.

“Everything looks much cleaner and brighter. It’s a real pleasure to entertain my daughter and grandchildren in this kitchen.”

Housing Executive patch manager for the area, Carole Toner, said: “Kitchen remodelling can be a daunting but exciting event for our tenants.  

“Committed and professional workers have transformed these Housing Executive homes and delivered beautiful, functional and modern kitchens.  

“In particular, new wiring gives real peace of mind to our tenants that their homes will be fit for purpose for a very long time,” she added.

“We’ve kept our tenants involved as part of the process. They’ve had had a one to one consultation with our staff to plan the layout of their new kitchen as well as choosing their units and tiles.

“Well done to all involved and a big thank you to our tenants for their patience and perseverance and to principal contractor, Engie, and subcontractor, O’Hare’s, for their hard work.”