Keys handed over to Clúid

An apartment block that made headlines over the past two years has been officially handed over to Clúid Housing.

Controversy had surrounded the Leeside apartment complex as some tenants remained living in their rented apartments after they were given notices to quit in late 2017 by Lugus Capital.

Clúid announced at the end of March that it had bought the property and will use the units to provide long-term housing for people on Cork City Council’s housing list.

Thirteen households which were issued with eviction notices in late 2017 were spared from eviction and will continue to live in the complex too while a further 59 households from the council’s housing waiting list will be provided with accommodation at the complex now.

The official handover of the building was marked on Monday by Lord Mayor of Cork Mick Finn, who was shown around the apartments by Clúid Housing CEO Brian O’Gorman.

The four blocks have undergone a multi-million euro refurbishment following their vacation last year.

Private tenants in the blocks will benefit from Clúid’s management of common areas as their tenancy switches to the organisation.

James O'Halloran, New Business Manager at Clúid Housing, said: “In Clúid, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to work with key stakeholders to deliver affordable, high-quality housing and the acquisition of these apartments is testament to that.

“To be able to show the Lord Mayor around the building is an honour for myself and the association. We are delighted to offer secure tenancies to those who are already in the building and look forward to welcoming our newest tenants.”

In the Cork area, the acquisition of Leeside apartments has brought Clúid past the 1,000 mark in terms of the number of properties it owns or manages.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Mick Finn said: “At a time when housing and homelessness are the most pressing issues, causing no end of anxiety and difficulty for many families, the work of the Clúid Housing Association has never been more crucial.

“We need it to be at the forefront of coming up with new housing options in continuing partnership with the city council and the Leeside Apartments model is a great portent of things to come. Clúid also has planning permission for 112 units in Blackpool and is working with Cork City Council and developers to identify additional sites.”