Work begins on second stage of Housing NZ refurbishment

Work begins on second stage of Housing New Zealand refurbishment

Housing New Zealand is starting work on the second and final stage in its refurbishment of the Centennial Flats in Adelaide Street, Berhampore.

The heritage status buildings, built in 1938, were the first multi-complex block of flats ever built in Wellington, and are an example of modernist architecture.

Stage one of the refurbishment programme was completed earlier this year, and included seismic strengthening, exterior painting and renovations to 24 of the complex’s 46 units.

The next stage will involve renovations to the remaining 22 units, seismic strengthening to some of the units and exterior landscaping to create attractive communal outside areas. The second stage will represent an investment of $4.9 million, with construction work to begin shortly and be completed in 2016.

“All the refurbishment work has and will be carried out with great care, to make sure it’s in keeping with the complex’s original modernist architecture style,” Marcus Bosch, Housing New Zealand’s General Manager Property Services, says.

As part of the refurbishment programme, Housing New Zealand is also looking at how the circular hall space in the centre of the complex can be used as a facility for community activities.

“Originally the hall was built to be a recreational space, and we are keen to see it put to good use once again. Most recently it has been used as a residential unit, but we will be looking at converting it back to its original state,” Mr Bosch says.

“We are working closely with tenants and the community to come up with ideas for how the space could be used for community activities.

“We are also considering how it could connect with an outdoor space for communal use, with shared vegetable and flower beds or a central barbecue area.”

Housing New Zealand is New Zealand’s largest landlord, owning or managing more than 67,000 properties across New Zealand, housing around 193,000 people. Our role is to provide homes for people most in need, for as long as they need it.

ENDS

© Scoop Media