New social housing units under way in Mairehau

Christchurch City Council is setting a new standard in its approach to building back high-quality social housing for the community, said Councillor Andrew Turner today during a ground-breaking ceremony for eight new units in Mairehau.

"The Council is rebuilding the type of social housing that will contribute to our community’s well-being for many years to come,” he said.

“Specifically, these modern one-bedroom units in Mairehau will cater for elderly persons and people with disabilities.

“That means homes that are purpose-built with them in mind – homes that are warm, healthy, energy efficient, easily accessible and built to last.”

The Council will also hold a ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday to mark the start of eight new social housing units in Waltham. Four earthquake-damaged units were demolished earlier this year to make way for the eight new one- and two-bedroom units on Osborne Street.

“The focus is on repairing closed units and returning the Council’s social housing to pre-earthquake levels as soon as practicable," adds Councillor Turner.

“The new developments in Mairehau and Waltham will allow the Council to make better use of the land it already owns, while offsetting some of the 113 social housing units lost to the residential red zone."

The new units will have a 90-year lifespan and receive Lifemark accreditation, which shows the dwellings meet specific design and accessibility standards to cater for tenants’ changing needs.

Each unit will be insulated beyond Building Code requirements and incorporate double glazing, higher wall sockets, wider pathways and doorways, wet-area bathrooms and mobility-scooter parking and charging areas.

The Council recently opened seven new one-bedroom units at its HP Smith Courts and Berwick Courts housing complexes in Richmond and St Albans.

A total of 34 new Council units are scheduled for completion by mid-2016.

ENDS

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