On Air Greatest Hits Chris Kinley | 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Private sector boost for social housing in Ramsey

DoI minister Phil Gawne, Ramsey Town Commissioners’ Tony Harmer, Chris Thomas MHK and Haven Homes’ Ashton Lewis, David Lewis and Paula Lewis. Picture Andrew Barton.

Deal helps meet demand for two bed houses

Six properties in Shipyard Road in Ramsey have been formally handed over to local town bosses, boosting its social housing stock.

Ramsey Town Commissioners bought the new, two-bedroom houses in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure from developer Haven Homes Ltd.

The purchase of property from the private sector marks a departure from the conventional model of social housing provision in the Island.

The Commissioners' lead member for housing Tony Harmer told guests at the formal handover, that 142 families are on the waiting list, 55 of which needed two-bedroom accommodation.

The scheme was funded by a £895,000 borrowing agreement with the DoI to meet the purchase price of £147,000 per unit, plus associated fees.

 

More from Isle of Man Business