Subdivision blessed and ready for building
Nestled between the Kelvin Grove cemetery and the main trunk railway line, Palmerston North’s newest subdivision is already home to a chorus of ducks and frogs.
The first stage of the city council’s Tamakuku Terrace subdivision off James Line has been completed, ready now for up to 79 people and families to start building their new homes.
At its heart is a wetland area with a pedestrian bridge over the water, a critical part of the area’s stormwater management system, with wildlife already making themselves at home.
Rangitā ne kaumatua Wiremu Te Awe Awe and mayor Grant Smith on Monday led a walking tour around the new streets to bless the subdivision for those who will live there.
As well as the subdivision itself, the streets have been given Mā ori names – Pokerekere Cres, Te Hirawanui Drive, Tukere Cres, Te Ara o Waihuri and Te Ara o Kawai. The reserve is called Koa.
Smith said the opening of the area came just one week short of two years since the first sod was turned to transform the land into a serviced area ready for building homes. He said it had taken commitment and perseverance from all of those who worked with the council to bring the sections to the market with all the disruptions and uncertainties of working through the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was the first subdivision the council had been involved in for more than 30 years and was a response to the demand for housing in the city.
As well as including regular sections for sale for conventional family homes, the subdivision includes smaller sections pepperpotted through the neighbourhood.
The council had an agreement with Homes for People to help up to 50 families into affordable, but not social, housing.
Smith said he was proud of the work done to prepare for a neighbourhood that would develop the nature of the Whakarongo area, and where residents could feel well-integrated and safe.
With many of the sections already sold, the new owners were expected to get title certificates by Christmas and to start building as soon as consents were granted.
The council would now work on gaining consent to develop the second, 35-section stage of the subdivision.