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Tenants - Housing Upgrade

Introduction

Council Housing, various locations

The Council is undertaking a multimillion dollar upgrade of its rental housing over the next 20 years. This project aims to improve housing conditions for current and future tenants.

The project is more than just upgrading the buildings. We also aim to improve the social aspects of life in our housing complexes through the Community Action Programme, which will begin in every housing complex in the next two years.

Overview of Housing Upgrade Project (543Kb PDF)

Timeline

Sites prioritised for work from 2008 - 2013:

Hanson Court, Newtown
Kotuku Flats, Kilbirnie
Marshall Court, Miramar
Berkeley Dallard, Te Aro

Te Ara Hou, Newtown
Newtown Park
Regent Park, Newtown
Central Park, Te Aro

Sites prioritised for work from 2013 – 2018:

Arlington Tower (units 1 - 77), Mount Cook
Whare Ahuru, Thorndon
Batchelor Street, Newlands
Granville Flats, Berhampore.

These sites were prioritised because most are larger complexes that may require earthquake strengthening, and they house about 65 percent of our tenants. Work may also be undertaken at the Rintoul Street villas during the first 10 years.

The remainder of housing properties will be prioritised for upgrade work from 2018.

Rehousing During Construction

For health and safety reasons, tenants must be rehoused during the upgrade work. Our tenant liaison coordinators will work closely with you to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, and when possible you will be rehoused within the same complex or in a nearby housing site.

Background

Much of the Council's housing does not meet modern living standards. This includes ventilation, acoustics, lack of showers, and kitchens that don't accommodate modern appliances.

The project aims to improve housing living standards, the safety and quality of community spaces and develop new spaces to improve community spirit and pride.

Unit Shape & Size

Our research shows that social housing needs are changing – we now need more accommodation for families rather than single people or couples without children, although there will always be single people requiring accommodation.

Bedsits are becoming less desirable options for housing single people. Our bedsit apartments were originally built for working people, rather than people who were mostly at home. Regular feedback also indicates that the bedsits are too small for visitors.

This does not apply to all people in bedsits, so we will keep about 600 of the units. Others will be converted to single bedroom apartments with living areas to provide more room for single people and couples. Some bedsits may also be converted to two bedroom apartments to meet demand from small families.

Tenant Involvement

We are hoping you will get involved by contributing your thoughts and ideas on this project.

How the Upgrade will Affect Tenants

Through the Community Action Programme we will work with you to foster better community relations within your complex.

This could include better community facilities such as communal gardens, social activities, exercise classes and improved play areas for children. The Community Action team will seek your feedback and work with you to develop a plan for your housing site.

You will also receive a regular newsletter which will keep you informed about the upgrade project, and we welcome any questions, ideas or comments.

Your Tenancy Manager can answer most questions, or put you in touch with a member of the Upgrade Project team if more detailed information is required. You can contact the Council Housing team on (04) 499 4444.

The Wellington Association of Tenants (WHAT) has representatives at most of the larger complexes. They will also be able to provide information on the project and are contactable on (04) 384 1419.