New social housing units open in Addington

Christchurch City Council has celebrated the completion of its largest social housing development since the Canterbury earthquakes.

Eighteen new units were officially opened today at the Council's Harman Courts housing complex in Addington.

They are part of a number of new Council units being built to help replace those lost to the residential red zone following the earthquakes.

Councillor Andrew Turner, Chair of the Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee, says the Council is following through on its commitment to build back quality, cost-effective social housing for the city.

"The Council is rebuilding social housing that's designed to meet the needs of the community over the long term," he says.

"These units are warm, energy-efficient and ready to cater to the changing needs of tenants over their lifetimes.

"By building new units at existing Council housing complexes, we can make better use of the land, get better value for money and open units more quickly – all of which are excellent outcomes for the city."

The new units occupy a previously vacant section at Harman Courts and bring the complex's total number of units to 78.

The homes have achieved accreditation from Lifemark, which means they meet specific design and accessibility standards to accommodate tenants' changing needs. They have also been insulated beyond Building Code requirements and feature double glazing, wet-area showers, wider pathways and doorways, and higher wall sockets.

As part of the development, a new accessway has also been created for tenants to enjoy the nearby Cornelius O'Connor Reserve, and eighteen planter boxes have been provided by Menzshed for tenants to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Tenants will begin moving into the new units this month.

A further 16 Council units are currently under construction and scheduled to open by mid-2016 in Woolston and Mairehau.

– ends –

© Scoop Media