New social housing units open in St Albans

Three new social housing units in St Albans have been purpose built to cater for the needs of elderly tenants.

The one-bedroom units, which feature double glazing, wet-area showers and mobility scooter parking and charging areas, were officially opened today by Christchurch City Council at its Berwick Courts housing complex.

They are part of 41 new units currently under construction to help replace the Council's 113 units lost to the red zone following the earthquakes.

Councillor Andrew Turner, Chair of the Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee, says the Council is focused on rebuilding quality social housing that will continue to meet the needs of the community for many years to come.

"As we rebuild and replace units, it's an opportunity for us to set a new standard by building modern social housing that's carefully designed and cost effective.

"The new units at Berwick Courts have been specifically set up to meet the access needs of elderly tenants.

"They are also warm, energy efficient and long lasting – quality housing that caters for the people in our community who need it most," he says.

The new units were built by Miles Construction Limited and have achieved "5 star" accreditation from Lifemark. The accreditation shows the units meet specific design and accessibility standards to meet tenants' changing needs over their lifetime.

Each unit has been insulated beyond Building Code requirements and features wider pathways and doorways, an open-plan living area, higher wall sockets and a landscaped outdoor area.

Tenants are expected to move into the new units next month.

ENDS

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