Apex is ‘more than housing’
Apex Housing Association (Apex) has launched its 2023-26 corporate strategy.
Apex recently launched its corporate strategy 2023-26 More than Housing at a staff conference hosted by Wendy Austin, with more than 150 members of the team in attendance. ‘More than Housing’ was the focus of the event, with the name of the new strategy having been chosen by Apex’s Tenant Network.
Celebrating success
Alongside the launch of the strategy, the event shone a light on the unbelievable work of staff over the last three years through presentations and videos. Many going above and beyond for tenants, residents, and communities in what were unprecedented times as a result of the global pandemic.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Apex acknowledged the success of Skeoge, which is an area of Derry~Londonderry that has seen the development of over 1,000 Apex homes, 570 of which have been handed over to new tenants in the last three years. Through meaningful engagement with local people, Apex has also been successful in building vital community support in the area, working with Greater Shantallow Area Partnership.
The event also recognised Apex’s contribution to the Department for Communities and Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. Apex is proud to have 11 shared housing neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland and will deliver another 137 new homes across four new neighbourhoods during the next three years.
Finally, there is no understating the challenge that faced the Apex teams tasked with delivering supported living services 24/7 during the pandemic. The event acknowledged the strength, resilience, and compassion of those involved in supporting more than 1,200 tenants and residents during a period that imposed unprecedented restrictions.
The future
Looking ahead there are significant challenges including the lack of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive, inadequate funding to maintain existing services and deliver more much needed housing, rising inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis. Despite these, Apex believes it is making a difference and remains committed to its vision where every person can enjoy great quality homes and support in vibrant and caring communities.
The new corporate strategy sets out five priorities for the next three years: sustainable communities; high quality, energy efficient homes; quality supported living; an efficient and effective organisation; and skilled people and teams.
Peter Caldwell, Chairperson of Apex, says: “It was a pleasure to launch this new Apex corporate strategy 2023-2026 More than Housing at our staff conference, which was a day of acknowledging and celebrating the teams who continue to provide more than housing to our tenants, residents, and communities. Over the next three years, we will continue to respond to the challenges and opportunities that may arise, ensuring we deliver for those who use our services and need our help.”
Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex, adds: “This new Apex strategy has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders including our board, tenants and staff and sets out our plans for the next three years to continue providing ‘more than housing’. We remain passionate about our vision, committed to our communities, and determined to deliver on the five strategic priorities set out in this strategy.”
Accompanying the More Than Housing corporate strategy, two other strategies were also published by Apex, outlining our plans in the areas of tenant engagement and community investment over the next three years, which further demonstrates our commitment to supporting communities. A new sustainability strategy is also due to be launched in June 2023.
Sustainability
Apex recognises that its sustainability strategy is just the start of the organisation’s sustainability journey and has set ambitious targets across three key areas: Homes; communities; and association. These targets will help reduce fuel poverty; cut carbon emissions; improve biodiversity; limit resource use; support and motivate staff; deliver high quality, affordable homes; and enhance community support.
Apex has a housing stock of almost 7,000 homes and a further 1,750 homes currently in construction on 13 sites across Northern Ireland. Under the key area of ‘sustainable homes’ Apex is committed to ensuring both existing stock and new developments are sustainable, affordable, energy efficient and safe for tenants and residents.
Ranging in size, Apex is currently developing large scale developments in, Derry~Londonderry, Lisburn, Newry, Newtownabbey, and west Belfast, with smaller developments also underway in Ballycastle, Dungannon, and Eglinton.
The Cashel
One of the exciting developments is the recent commencement of the first 420 social homes on ‘The Cashel’ project, located on the outskirts of Derry~Londonderry, between Whitehouse Road and Coshquin.
‘The Cashel’ is a new urban village project, with an overall plan to provide around 3,000 homes across a mixed tenure of social, affordable and private homes. It will see the creation of a new border village community that includes school sites, play parks, cycle routes and pedestrian ways. It will also see the delivery of a new high street which will include retail units, a café, gym, and community centre.
Barry Kerr, Apex Director of Development, states: “Commencing construction works on The Cashel is an important milestone in this excellent example of sustainable place shaping. This initial phase will make a significant contribution towards addressing the substantial housing need in the local area. With an important emphasis on remaining carbon conscious and building for the future, supported by the new Northwest Greenway passing alongside the development, we are looking forward to continuing our mission of leading the way in building sustainable communities through the delivery of quality, affordable homes.”
Apex Housing Association
10 Butcher Street
Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6HL
Northern Ireland
T: 028 7130 4800
E: info@apex.org.uk
