20 June 2014

New social housing build underway in Aranui

Construction is set to begin next week on Christchurch City Council’s eight new social housing units in Aranui.

The modern one-bedroom units will be warm, well insulated and well ventilated, and cater specifically for older people and those with disabilities.

The units will also achieve a Lifemark “5 Star” accreditation, which shows they meet specific design and accessibility standards, in order to meet residents’ changing needs.

Housing Committee Chair Glenn Livingstone says the Council is committed to delivering a high standard of social housing.

“There is a well-proven link between housing and health, and the Council — as a responsible landlord — is committed to building healthy social housing,” he says.

“That means places that are designed to be warm, easily accessible, energy-efficient and long-lasting.

“The new units in Aranui will meet these criteria, as well as meet the changing needs of the people who live in them, for many years to come.”

The eight new units are expected to be finished early next year and will bring the total number at the Knightsbridge Lane complex to 25.

Last month the Council officially opened 12 new units at its Maurice Carter Courts housing complex in Spreydon.

An estimated further 41 new units are scheduled for development next year in Mairehau, Charleston, Addington, Richmond and St Albans.

The Council is currently in the middle of a consultation process about its future involvement in social housing.

It is re-evaluating how it provides its social housing service, considering options that would allow it greater flexibility in the future ownership, management and development of its social housing portfolio.

The Council’s preferred option is aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of the portfolio, while also acting as a catalyst for additional social housing units in the city.

Public consultation on the Council’s proposal closes at 5pm on 26 June, 2014.

ENDS

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