The first stage of NPDC’s $12 million affordable housing programme is starting this week, with 12 new units for seniors being built in Bell Block.

The $4.5m project on Wynyard Street will see the units built alongside the Council’s existing nine Housing for the Elderly units, with construction to take about a year to finish.

“Every year there’s growing demand on the Council’s housing as our population ages,” says NPDC General Manager Operational Excellence Sarah Downs.

“It’s good to see this project getting underway, which will support vulnerable members of our community. It’s a big step in the right direction of making sure that our elderly have a warm, dry place to call home.”

The new one-bedroom units are being built to modern standards for heat, ventilation and accessibility – including accessible bathrooms. They will also have enclosed mobility scooter parking and their own outdoor areas.

The project is being funded from the $12m over three years included in the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan in an effort to address the district’s shortage of affordable housing.

Separate to the construction project, NPDC is considering having a community housing provider operate the new units, with the proviso that they are available only for elderly residents on a low income.

The Council has plans to provide an estimated 28 new units throughout the district; however, the final number will depend on which locations are chosen. Included in NPDC’s affordable housing programme is $1.5m earmarked for the Abbeyfield group to buy land for a community living facility, which requires final approval from the Council.

Fast facts:

• NPDC currently has 145 Housing for the Elderly units around the district.
• There are 119 people on its waiting list for housing.

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