Templar Court tenants receive £350,000 boost

Templar Court in Ann Street provides 31 self contained apartments for older people along with the support they need to stay in a home of their own as they grow older, offering independence, companionship, an active lifestyle and security in an easy-to-manage apartment.

At a cost of £350,000, the six month renovation project included repairs to the roof, internal and external redecoration, new windows, an upgrade to the lift, refurbishment of communal areas, replacement kitchens in the apartments and new external doors.

Joan Baird, Chair of Clanmil Housing Association, said: “It’s a pleasure to join our residents to celebrate the successful completion of an extensive refurbishment project that has clearly delivered so many improvements to their homes both inside and out.

“We are really grateful to them all for their patience during the refurbishment work and I hope that they will continue to enjoy life at the ‘new and improved’ Templar Court.”

Samuel Gardiner MLA, who is a regular visitor and a friend of Templar Court, was also pleased to be part of the celebrations and welcomed Clanmil’s investment in the housing scheme.

He said: “I welcome the opportunity to reopen this residential complex and pay tribute to Clanmil Housing’s Templar Court Housing Scheme. The workmanship is of a high standard and knowing the residents this is what they would expect.

“I have got to know many of the residents personally and enjoyed having them at Stormont recently. Templar Court is a very friendly and welcoming place and I praise the management and staff for the high standard of care.”

Miss Anne Lavelle, who has lived at Templar Court since it first opened 22 years ago, is very happy with the improvements.

Miss Lavelle said: “I’m just delighted with my new kitchen and all the work that’s been done. The workmen couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful.

“Templar Court is a lovely place to live. I have a nice bright apartment and the other residents are so friendly. I feel very much at home here.”