Belfast complex for Chinese community opens

Two stone lions were today guarding a new multi-million pound complex of sheltered flats specially designed for elderly Chinese people in Belfast.

Hong Ling Gardens in the Markets area is the first development of its kind in Northern Ireland and will accommodate 59 residents.

The project spearheaded by the BIH Housing Association has won the support of both the Chinese community and local people.

The 8,000 strong Chinese community is the largest ethnic minority group in Northern Ireland but until now many older Chinese people have had to travel to England or Scotland or even return to Hong Kong to find the type of community housing now on offer.

Chinese elders are among the most isolated groups in Northern Ireland society, many unable to read or write in their own language but equally have little English.

BIH and the Chinese Welfare Association first identified the need for a dedicated scheme nearly a decade ago and have spent the time since finding a suitable site, raising funding and building the accommodations.

Hong Ling Gardens – it translates as ’heath and peace’ – has distinctive architectural characteristics in keeping with Chinese culture and tradition.

Aideen D’Arcy, director of supported housing at BIH said: “Our team carried out detailed research with other Chinese communities across the UK. What we learned has been literally built into this scheme.”

She said that traditionally a Chinese house did not have stairs facing the door as it was believed good luck passed out through it.

That tradition had been respected in the building project and for similar reasons there are no floors or flats numbered 4, 13 or 14.

“In keeping with Chinese culture, two stone lions guard the front entrance and there are specially-built rice stores in all the kitchens,” said Ms D’Arcy.

Signage is in both Cantonese and English, the lift "speaks" in both languages and there is a bilingual warden to live on site.

Sean Hayes, chairman of the Markets Community Association said the new residents would be welcomed to the area.

“We believe that Hong Ling Gardens will integrate seamlessly into this community. We hope that the Chinese elders will not see themselves simply as an ethnic minority but as an important part of this area,” he said.

Mr Hayes said people in the Markets shared many of the Chinese community’s cultural values and their respect for the elderly. “We trust they will be very happy living here.”

Anna Lo, director of the Chinese Welfare Association said the location was ideal, close to St George’s Market, a specialist supermarket , bus routes and the city centre.

She said: “Hong Ling Gardens will be of great benefit to the Chinese community and we are delighted BIH was able to secure the resources to build it.”