Work on 18 Kāinga Ora homes is now under way in Mornington as the government housing provider attempts to meet heavy demand in Dunedin.
The organisation also confirmed yesterday it had bought the former Hilltop Funeral Home in Middleton Rd, Corstorphine, which will be turned into a housing development.
For the Mornington development, a letter sent to neighbours said Kāinga Ora confirmed an agreement to purchase 18 two-bedroom homes being built at 27 Napier St, with the project likely to be completed in March 2024.
"This development will provide long-term, warm, dry homes for whānau in need of a place to call home," the letter said.
"Kāinga Ora will match these new homes to individuals and families on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register, with the highest priority for a home of that size and in this location."
Kāinga Ora will buy the homes off developer TGC Homes once they are complete.
TGC Homes director Charles Blair said the development’s location close to services and amenities made it "perfect for medium-density housing".
"The community room will be a great space for children to play and families to come together," Mr Blair said.
Kāinga Ora regional director Kerrie Young said it has also bought the former Hilltop Funeral Home in Middleton Rd, Corstorphine.
The site borders an existing Kāinga Ora home that will be demolished at the same time as the existing buildings on the newly acquired site, so it can be included in the redevelopment.
"We acknowledge the history and the significance this site will have for a number of whānau within the community.
"With this in mind, the site will be blessed prior to any site clearance and preparations getting under way," Ms Young said.
Other developments in Dunedin include a 2361 sqm Stafford St site which Kāinga Ora bought earlier this year that will eventually be turned into a 20-apartment site.
Kāinga Ora has also bought 11 new one-bedroom homes in Dey St, Mosgiel.
The most recent Ministry for Social Development figures show that there are about 415 applicants in the Dunedin City Council territorial area on the housing register, and 87 on the transfer register.
Ms Young said the new homes would be used to meet the urgent need for public housing.
"We are particularly focused on delivering more new homes in areas of the city that are well connected to amenities, open green spaces and services," Ms Young said.
