300 flats planned for Wellington

WELLINGTON: Up to 300 apartments, including 40 supportedliving units, are set to be built in a partnership between Housing New Zealand and the Wellington City Council.

Councillors will vote next week to consult on the proposal to redevelop a site in Mt Cook.

The site is at present occupied by a building designed by architect Ian Athfield and built in the 1970s.

The homes would be built by the Government, which would lease the site from the council for 125 years.

The Crown would have an option to buy up to 30% of it during that time, to deliver affordable housing.

Consent for the site is yet to be gained, and it is not clear how much the development would cost, or when construction would begin.

Council documents said a master plan was completed last May, but it did not focus on detailed design elements or specific costings.

The 40 supportedliving units would help in eradicating homelessness in the city, Mayor Justin Lester said.

‘‘They will be for those who are currently homeless or have complex addiction treatment requirements, or for those with mental health issues and complex social needs.’’

Housing Minister Phil Twyford said while there was no start date, the prospects of the development going ahead were good.

Mr Lester said Mt Cook residents had been supportive of the huge amount of social housing in the area. — RNZ