Most of the homes will be one or two-bedroom, modern and comfortable, and if density permits, there will be 100 to 140 homes total. As soon as the Auckland Council approves the Unitary Plan for the projected density, the sites can be prepared and the homes will be ready for occupancy by autumn of 2017.
“Officials are in negotiations to finalise lease arrangements for three sites in south Auckland that are earmarked for future development in the next 10 to 25 years,” Mrs Bennett says.
Established modular builders will be given the opportunity to become preferred suppliers, according to publicnow. Following the devastating earthquake Feb. 22, 2011, the government estimated it needed up to 5,000 modular homes to house the survivors and the workers who will be coming to rebuild, as MHProNews reported March 21, 2011.
“While Housing New Zealand has a pipeline of construction underway in Auckland, the tight housing market means we cannot easily move people out while we redevelop existing properties,” Mrs Bennett says. She adds, “These three sites will test the cost, speed of construction, availability and efficiency of modular building methods. Once these are underway, I would expect that the delivery of modular housing will speed up.”
Additionally, the government is investing $41.1 million in emergency accommodation to support those with the most pressing need for housing, as Housing New Zealand acquires some 3,000 homes in Auckland as affordable housing over the next three years.
The government is also providing relocation funds for people who need to move to less expensive accommodations but cannot afford the cost of moving. ##
(Photo credit: archdaily/Jackie Meiring–modular homes in New Zealand)
