Redevelopment of existing homes set to boost public housing supply in Timaru

Kāinga Ora is redeveloping its existing properties at Tyne Street and Essex Street in Timaru.

One of the ways Kāinga Ora is planning to increase the supply of public housing in Timaru is by replacing some of our older homes with more new homes on the same site.

The redevelopment of the properties on Tyne and Essex Streets will see three existing dwellings replaced with nine brand new, warm and dry homes.

Regional Director Otago Southland, Kerrie Young says increasing the number of homes on existing Kāinga Ora sites means more people can live in areas that have good transport options and are close to schools, open spaces, shops and other amenities.

“There is an urgent need for more public housing options in Timaru and the two Tyne St properties were built in 1948 and have reached the end of their economic life.

“The nine new two-bedroom homes that will be built on the 2006m2 parcel of land will enable us to house more people in need, within an existing community close to a local school and nearby main transport routes.

“When building more homes on existing sites we are very mindful of privacy for our customers and neighbours. This has been a top priority for this redevelopment with features such as fencing and appropriate planting prominent in the design,” says Ms Young.

Site testing has started this week and demolition of the existing homes is scheduled to begin later this month. Construction of the new homes is expected to commence in the New Year.

“Throughout the redevelopment, we will keep neighbours, the local community and key stakeholders well informed, sharing regular updates and offering opportunities for people to engage with us on this work.

“This is a positive development for Timaru and we’re looking forward to construction commencing and delivering these new homes to the community,” Ms Young says.