New Council housing under way in Akaroa

Christchurch City Council has celebrated the start of five new social housing units in Akaroa.

A whakawatea (blessing) and ground-breaking ceremony was held today at the Council’s Bruce Terrace housing complex, where three existing units will be demolished to make way for five new ones.

An artist's rendering of the new Council housing.
An artist's rendering of the new Council housing that is being built in Akaroa.

The old units, which were temporarily repaired following the Christchurch earthquakes, will be demolished once the new units are built, allowing tenants to remain in place before moving in later this year.

Councillor Phil Clearwater, Chair of the Social, Community Development and Housing Committee, says the Council is rebuilding a higher standard of housing for those in the community who need it most.

"The Council is working hard to build back social housing for the city that is cost effective yet high quality.

“By further developing the social housing land we already own, we can get better value for money and get new units open faster – both of which are excellent outcomes for the city.

"The new units at Bruce Terrace are warm, energy efficient and Lifemark accredited, which means they’re ready to cater to tenants’ changing needs over their lifetimes.

“Even if a tenant’s accessibility or mobility needs change due to health or age, they can keep living in their unit and remain within their community, which offers peace of mind and stability,” adds Cr Clearwater.

The new units – four one-bedroom and one two-bedroom – will be insulated beyond Building Code requirements and feature double glazing, wet-area showers, wider pathways and doorways, a sizeable outdoor greenspace area, plus additional parking.

The design and colour schemes of the units have been chosen to reflect the character and heritage of the Akaroa township.

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