THE hard-pressed construction sector will benefit from a £300 million cash injection over the next five years following the creation of a behemoth new housing body intent on building or refurbishing thousands of homes in Northern Ireland.
The boards of the Fold and Helm housing associations have morphed into a new organisation called Radius, which has outlined ambitious growth plans.
It includes ploughing £300 million in the construction industry by developing new homes and refurbishing current stock.
Radius - which is now the largest social enterprise in Northern Ireland - says it expects to have a significant positive impact on society, providing services for around 33,000 households and employing more than 1,000 staff.
And in its first five years Radius is forecast to increase its assets to £1.25 billion and its turnover to £110 million as its enhances its housing presence in all 11 council areas, serviced by a regional office network in Belfast, Holywood, Ballymena, Newry and Derry.
Radius chair Diana Fitzsimons said: “Helm and Fold are progressing into an exciting new era and into uncharted waters.
"This union will increase our capacity in communities to deliver new and innovative services targeted at providing financial advice, creating employment and improving well-being.
“Radius has a vision for the future which will see us continuing to enable people of all ages to live in the community through a range of traditional and technological housing solutions.
"Demand for our services is growing and we are confident that our merger will place us in a strong position.”
Both Helm Housing and Fold have a combined 80 years of experience in the social housing sector. Their client base includes families and singles, older people and people with dementia and other complex needs.
Radius also supports 23,000 households through the award-winning Telecare and Telehealth service.
