More affordable housing for Mt Albert
The Government has signed an agreement for a new housing development on under-utilised crown land in central Auckland.
Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith made the announcement that more than 100 houses will be built in New North Rd, Mt Albert.
The agreement has been made by the Government with iwi, Marutuahu Ropu, and construction company Ockham Residential Ltd.
‘‘This development, with an average house price of $573,000 and only 8km from Auckland’s city centre, is a welcome addition to the Government’s Crown Land Housing Programme,’’ Smith says.
Bruce Morris from the Mt Albert Residents Association says he believes the site borders both Soljak Place and New North Rd.
‘‘It seems like a reasonable sized site for this type of development.
There are issues around growing traffic congestion and the schools already being chocka and this will have to be worked out. But we accept the fact Auckland needs more houses,’’ Morris says.
Smith says the site was originally owned by the New Zealand Transport Agency as part of the Waterview roading development.
‘‘The development opportunity was optimised by purchasing earlier this year an adjacent section which was privately owned.’’
He says the agreement means the Government receives deferred settlement for the land but places requirements on development to occur at pace and for the homes to be constructed at the more affordable end of the housing market.
David Shearer, Labour MP for Mt Albert, says the development will have to fit in with the community.
‘‘Too often, with previous developments, the construction of housing has pressed ahead without even considering impacts on local schools and transport.
Smith says the houses in the Mt Albert development will be carried out in stages.
He anticipates construction will begin in July 2017, with the first dwelling to be completed by May 2018.
Other Government led housing developments in Auckland include Hobsonville, Weymouth and Tamaki.
‘‘We will be announcing further developments before year’s end,’’ Smith says.