During its most recent meeting, the Clutha District Council received updates on four possible new subdivisions in South Otago, two of which will be council-owned.
Collectively, if all go ahead, the projects in Balclutha, Stirling, Tapanui and Milton will add an expected 219 rural and urban sections to the market.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he was pleased to see a "surge" in development across the district, although more was required.
"It has been a tonic to see the surge in house construction right across the district, yet we are still only scratching at the surface if we are ever going to address the two main inhibitors to Clutha’s economic vitality, housing and the need to attract staff to the glut of jobs we have available."
The council wished to replicate the success of its Plantation Heights development of 73 sections in Balclutha, which sold out last year, he said.
"Council is still determined to play its part, but ... we are also seeing a growing enthusiasm and awareness from the private sector."
Subdivision applications for the council’s Balclutha and Stirling projects, and a privately owned Milton project in Tokoiti, had been received, and the council was assisting a private developer with water infrastructure inquiries for a further potential subdivision in Tapanui, a council spokeswoman said.
Mr Cadogan said he hoped to see groundwork begin at the council’s Rosebank Tce project before July.
The site, which will yield about 30 urban sections, lies behind the council’s headquarters in Balclutha, adjoining its car park.
If approved, roading and other infrastructure will be tailored to allow for future private development of neighbouring properties.
Mr Cadogan said there was ample local capacity to deliver housing for these and future developments.
Council employment initiative Jobbortunities had added 36 new building apprentices to the local construction industry during the past two years.
Only supply chain issues caused by the global pandemic could halt the current impetus, he said.
"We’ve shown [with Plantation Heights] we can break the shackles, and actually end up with more jobs, more people and a financial profit.
"With belief in our district’s future, this growth phase is set to continue for some time."
