17 August 2012

24 New Redevelopment Projects to Provide a Range of Housing Opportunities in Auckland

Housing New Zealand has launched 24 redevelopment projects across Auckland to build and refurbish at least 150 houses – some to be state rentals, and the rest for private ownership and other social housing providers.

The 24 projects, which will cost approximately $45 million, will be delivered in partnership with the private and community housing sector and will be completed over the next 2- 3 years. Most of the sites included are located in West Auckland.

The 24 redevelopment sites include 80 old state houses on large, under-utilised sections. Extra units gained per site range will from 1 – 23 new properties. The design, final number and layout of properties, as well as tenure, will be determined in conjunction with private sector partners.

However it is expected that around half of the 80 houses will remain in place and be refurbished, and at least 110 brand new properties built.

“We want to replace these 80 old state houses on very large sections with more contemporary housing options that fit into the broader community and are safe, affordable and use quality materials and modern construction methods. This is a comparatively small step toward our overall reconfiguration and better housing aspirations for Auckland,” says Sean Bignell, Housing New Zealand’s General Manager of Asset Development.

“We currently have too many old and rundown 3-bedroom state houses that we no longer have priority demand for. We cannot keep holding and repairing properties that are an inefficient use of land and really are a barrier to achieving more and better housing options– as is desperately needed in Auckland.”

Mr Bignell says that Housing New Zealand has a lot of old homes on quarter and half acre sections in Auckland, which is not sustainable given Auckland’s housing shortage.

“Auckland is facing a significant housing shortage, and therefore Housing New Zealand has a role to play in catalysing a wider range of housing models – this initiative is but one of many we currently have in the planning pipeline.

“We are also exploring new ways of doing things - rather than Housing New Zealand simply building more properties, we are seeking innovative and more efficient options, including a mix of ownership being an essential ingredient” says Mr. Bignell.

By way of example, Housing New Zealand recently completed a formal process to select an “Auckland Minor Redevelopment Panel” to complete the 24 projects, as well as future opportunities. Each of the 12 developers selected for the panel are able to tender for up to six of the 24 projects.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the developers to submit design proposals that demonstrate their ability to be creative in delivering quality, yet affordable, housing accommodation for people who need housing as part of smaller scale mix tenure models.”

The 12 development partners selected for the Panel are:

Stebo Holdings Ltd
Stonewood Homes Ltd
Signature Residential Ltd
McConnell Property Ltd
Creating Communities
New Zealand Housing Foundation
Lundo Holding Ltd
Classic Builders
Greenstone Group
Woodview Construction Ltd
Accent on Construction
Jennian Homes Auckland Ltd

Housing New Zealand has robust procurement processes in place to select partners for each project. Once selected, the development partners will be responsible for providing proposals for the design, consenting, construction, titling and financing of the projects.

The tenants living in the 80 affected state rental properties have all been informed about the proposed projects, and will be kept fully informed as plans for the projects take shape.

24 redevelopment sites

The 24 redevelopments will not be confirmed until the design, financing and consent process is complete.

The sites are located in the following suburbs:

• 5 x Avondale
• 1 x Hillsborough
• 5 x Kelston
• 2 x Henderson
• 5 x New Lynn
• 1 x Blockhouse Bay
• 1 x Glendene
• 2 x Browns Bay
• 1 x Narrow Neck
• 1 x Otahuhu

For privacy reasons, we are unable to provide specific addresses of the state rental properties included in these redevelopment plans. The addresses will be available when planning for the redevelopments has progressed.

Tenants

Tenants affected by the proposed redevelopment projects will be keep fully informed as the projects take shape. Some will be able to remain living in their state rental property and some will need to be transferred to another state house.

For those transferred, every effort will be made to relocate families to locations that suit them, including being close to schools, work and community networks.

Vulnerable tenants requiring additional support and / or modified housing will be assisted through the relocation process.

Housing New Zealand will cover reasonable relocation costs such as removal van costs and disconnection and reconnection of utilities (e.g. power and phone).

When transferring to another state house, the tenancy agreement at the current address has to be legally ended and a new tenancy agreement signed.

Tenants needing to transfer due to the redevelopment do not have to sign a reviewable tenancy (unless they currently have one).

ENDS

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