Eastern Porirua To Be Revitalised

About $20 million is expected to be spent on revitalising the Eastern Porirua area, Housing Minister Mark Gosche announced today.

The four-year Housing New Zealand community renewal project will cover Cannons Creek, Waitangirua and Porirua East. Rejuvenation of these areas was long overdue, Mr Gosche said.

“Housing New Zealand has about 1900 homes in these areas. However, much of this housing is outdated and unsuited to the needs of tenants today. Local list MP Graham Kelly has long argued for projects such as this to revitalise areas like Eastern Porirua.

“The aim of community renewal projects such as this one is to rejuvenate areas where there is a heavy concentration of state housing by improving housing at the same time as addressing community issues such as safety, employment and training opportunities and the delivery of social services.

“A key component is the involvement of the whole community, including residents, the local council and community groups, as well as Housing New Zealand and other government agencies.”

Over the four-year project about $20 million is expected to be spent, including approximately $4 million in this financial year.

Mr Gosche said the project would involve a range of options.

“Details will be developed in consultation with the community, but long-term some of the options include the possibility of demolishing some high density housing as well as re-developing, refurbishing and modernising other homes.

“In addition, environmental work and landscaping will improve safety and make the area more attractive.”

The housing work would initially focus on about 25 properties, and expand over time. These properties are yet to be selected, but would be in a high-density area within the community renewal boundary, said Mr Gosche.

Graham Kelly said he was thrilled at the announcement.

“I have advocated such a project for about 15 years so I am delighted it is now about to become a reality.”

A temporary community renewal project office will open on Saturday at 194 Champion Street. The office will be the base for the Community Renewal team and will provide residents with information about the project.

Eastern Porirua is the fifth community renewal project to be launched in the last year. Other projects have been set up in Christchurch, Rotorua, Clendon in South Auckland and just last month, Talbot Park in Glen Innes.

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