THE first development managed by the Guernsey Housing Association was officially opened yesterday. Delancey Court comprises 34 one- and two-bedroom apartments built around a communal courtyard.

Tenants have already been nominated by the Housing Department, or contacted by the Housing Association, and are due to move in during the next three weeks.

‘It is a great day for the association and the people of Guernsey,’ said association chief executive Peter Jones.

‘It is the culmination of years of work and marks the start of an important phase for the association.

‘There is a huge demand for properties.

‘It should get people off the living room floor and into proper accommodation and should also get the elderly into more suitable accommodation.

‘This should free up larger family homes and so make the best use of the States resources.

‘We are delighted with how the properties look, both inside and out.’

Housing Department chief executive Stephen Langford confirmed that there were about 200 people on its

waiting list for the new properties.

When work at Roseville and Grand Bouet finishes in the next 12 months, the three developments will provide 150 new units of accommodation. More sites are in the pipeline.

The department has about 75% nomination rights as to who will move into the units, including existing tenants and others waiting.

There is a separate Housing Association list of people who would not normally be eligible for States housing.

‘I think we will start to see significant inroads into the island’s housing problem,’ said Housing minister Dave Jones.

‘It is the dawning of a new era. We haven’t done enough, but this is only the start. The waiting lists for accommodation fluctuate, but I don’t want to look back – it will start to reduce as quickly as the housing comes on stream.

‘This is a ground-breaking concept and I think the way forward and I hope the joint initiative will continue for many years to come.

‘Delancey Court serves as an architectural benchmark for the future and is on a par with any private dwellings you can see in Guernsey.’

He said that there were 19 more units than existed on the site before.

The development cost just under £5.5m. to build.

Guernsey Housing Association chairman Quentin Spicer said that the project had been completed on time and within budget through the co-operation of different teams.

He thanked all those at the front end of the project and the neighbours for their tolerance.

‘I get a great sense of

satisfaction to see the completion of the first site and its shows that we are making a real contribution to the corporate housing programme. I hope it will contribute to the aspirations of those seeking housing,’ he said.