Construction is underway on 14 homes on Richmond’s Bateup Rd that have been designed for older people and those with disabilities.
The Nelson-Tasman Housing Trust project is a mix of one and two-bedroom homes that are expected to be completed for tenants by April next year, and many have wheelchair access.
Trust director Carrie Mozena says the focus is on long-term, secure rentals for older people on the social housing register who need housing security as they age.
“As our population ages, what we are finding is fewer people owning their own home and more older people renting, and it becomes very challenging for people on the lowest incomes if they are just reliant on New Zealand Super. It’s very challenging.
“It’s really important to provide good, stable homes for people over 65 in need.”
The $7 million Bateup Rd development received about $1.5 million in philanthropic donations, with the trust borrowing the balance. The trust has an agreement with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to provide social housing for people on the housing register and in return receives an income-related subsidy to top up the rent, plus an operating supplement.
This is the trust’s 11th housing cluster in Nelson-Tasman. Carrie says it is ideally located for future tenants, close to Richmond’s centre and on the bus route.
“It’s very good news for the community. By reputation we take care of our houses and the people who live in our homes.”
