New Zealand / Politics

Council announces 300-home development in S Akl

16:52 pm on 23 May 2018

Auckland Council has announced a new housing development in South Auckland with 300 new homes to be built over the next five years.

An illustration of the Kōtuitui Place housing development. Photo: Supplied / Panuku

Auckland Council's development arm Panuku has partnered with Auckland iwi Te Ākitai Waiohua, The Housing Foundation, Te Tumu Kāinga and CORT Community Housing to build the homes in Manukau.

The new neighbourhood called Kōtuitui Place will have dwellings ranging from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom homes will be built on an empty site at Barrowcliffe Place.

At least half of the 300 homes will be sold under an affordable housing scheme - but prices are yet to be set.

Mayor Phil Goff said there will be a range of purchase models including rent-to-buy and shared equity to help ensure affordability.

"Auckland Council is absolutely committed to working with government, NGOs and the private sector to accelerate house-building and the provision of social and affordable houses.

"The houses planned for this development will be built to a high standard, in a location close to great amenities, transport links, education and job opportunities," Mr Goff said.

The development of Manukau will be comparable in scale to the transformation of Wynyard Quarter on Auckland's waterfront and will create a new hub in the south, he said.

Earthworks for the development began in February, with construction set to begin later in the year.

Manurewa local board chair Angela Dalton said the development would create new jobs and help drive the local economy.

"This is an important first step towards transforming central Manukau into an affordable and sustainable neighbourhood," she said.