The largest community housing development under construction in Christchurch is set to open its first stage today.
Trust chief executive Cate Kearney (left) says the development is a significant boost to community housing stock in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
The section on Brougham Street in central Christchurch used to have 89 social houses on it but it was demolished following the 2011 Canterbury earthquake.
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust is developing the section into 90 new homes, 30 are now complete with a further 60 expected to be complete by June.
When complete there will be 70 one-bedroom homes, 14 two-bedroom homes, three three-bedrooms and three four-bedroom homes.
Trust chief executive Cate Kearney said the development is a significant boost to community housing stock in the city and provides homes that are modern, dry, healthy and cheaper to run for those most in need.
Three distinctly-different communities have been designed for each of the three stages of this 90-home project, and they're supported by many innovations, she said.
"A great deal of thought went into the planning, which sought to minimise the build density to accommodate enhanced community amenity," she said.
"There are green spaces, safe areas for children to play and communal garden areas to encourage interaction between tenants."
Kearney said it was the largest project commissioned by the trust since its establishment in 2016 and was one of the largest developments of its kind under construction for an NGO in New Zealand
The trust has not revealed the cost of the development as it is commercially sensitive.
- RNZ