Resource consent granted for 40 new homes for older people

A plan to develop 40 new homes for older people in Henderson has been given the go ahead after resource consent for the project was granted.

Panuku Development Auckland, the city’s urban regeneration agency, identified 33 Henderson Valley Road (previously known as Wilsher Village) as a suitable location for social housing for older tenants.

The new development will lift the number of council’s portfolio of villages for older people in Auckland from 62 to 63 and forms part of a wider remit Panuku has to redevelop the network of villages to better meet the needs of tenants.

“The granting of consent for this project is fantastic news for Henderson and I look forward to its completion,” says Waitakere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper. Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Shane Henderson agrees: “Getting more people into high-quality housing in Henderson’s town centre will help to revitalise it.”

The village will be made up of one-bedroom units within a single four-storey building. All the homes will be wheelchair accessible and have a designated space for a mobility scooter within a floor area of 48sqm.

Panuku Chief Operating Officer David Rankin says the new village will be built using best-practice design principles that have been created specifically to better meet the needs of older tenants.

“In developing the design standards, Panuku worked closely with The Selwyn Foundation, Age Concern NZ, mana whenua, tenant reference groups and the local board to gain insights into the challenges faced by those living in the homes.”

“Through this process we identified opportunities to design quality units that go beyond minimum design requirements.” Detailed design is now underway, with construction due to start in mid-2018 and the first tenants expected to move in by late 2019.

Once completed, the village will be managed by community housing provider Haumaru Housing, which was established in late 2016 as a limited partnership between Auckland Council and The Selwyn Foundation.

Haumaru Housing took over the lease of the council’s portfolio of homes for older people on 1 July 2017.

ENDS

About Panuku Development Auckland

Panuku Development Auckland is a Council Controlled Organisation. It was established in September 2015 as a result of the merger of two CCOs – Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Council Property Ltd.

The broad approach by Panuku towards achieving development outcomes is captured by three categories; transform, unlock and support. Housing for Older People is an ‘Unlock’ project where Panuku will grow and improve the quality of housing for our older people to address their needs.

To find out more please visit www.panuku.co.nz, and sign up to the newsletter for regular updates.

About Haumaru Housing

Haumaru Housing provides tenancy and asset management services for Auckland Council’s portfolio of 1452 rental units for older people which are located in 63 villages across Auckland*. Established in late 2016, it is a limited partnership between New Zealand charitable trust, The Selwyn Foundation, and Auckland Council.

Haumaru Housing’s focus is on providing safe, secure and affordable long-term tenancies for tenants and creating positive and inclusive communities that support people to live well in the comfort and security of their home. It aims to provide outstanding social housing for older Aucklanders, with customer service excellence a priority.

As a New Zealand not-for-profit NGO, Haumaru Housing invests in local communities, in terms of people and properties, retaining all surpluses to benefit senior citizens in local neighbourhoods. www.haumaruhousing.co.nz

* Currently, there are 1412 existing units in 62 villages, with 40 due to be built in a new village in Henderson.

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