Thirty new social housing units now ready for tenants

The first construction phase at Papaioea Place, Council’s social housing redevelopment project, is now complete. Thirty new units were officially opened by Mayor Grant Smith during a ceremony today (4 March).

Designed to enhance residents’ quality of living, the new units are open-plan, with eco-friendly, futureproof features. All units are double-glazed and well insulated. They also have the 4-star Lifemark certification, which means the flats have facilities to meet tenants’ lifetime mobility and agility needs.

Debbie Duncan, General Manager - Community, said the $7.3 million Papaioea Place redevelopment is focused on catering to the practical needs of social housing tenants.

“We’re excited our tenants can now make the new units their long-term home. We’ve appreciated our existing tenants’ patience as the construction work was undertaken, but we know, they’ll be delighted with their new quality, affordable accommodation.”

Construction started in early 2018. Before it started, there was a progressive demolition of ageing units which were deemed unsatisfactory in meeting today’s building standards.

This allowed construction of 30 new units to replace 16 old ones that were previously on site.

Duncan said construction of twenty more units on the site will commence mid-March, shortly after all tenants of the new units have moved in.

Council is assisting tenants with their move from the existing older units.

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