Housing Upgrade - Tenant Information

Council Housing, various locations

Wellington City Council is upgrading its social housing over the next 20 years. The work will make its homes safer, warmer and of a better standard for modern living.

The Government is contributing $220 million to the project and the Council will invest additional money from its rental income.

The project is more than just upgrading the buildings - it will also improve the social aspects of life in our social housing complexes.

For background information on the project, see:

Housing Upgrade - Programme of Work

Improvements

The housing upgrade will improve overall living standards, increase the safety and quality of existing community spaces, and create new community spaces.

The work includes:

meeting modern building standards
insulating homes to make them warmer
improving ventilation to make homes drier
providing earthquake-strengthening where needed
upgrading kitchens and bathrooms
improving landscaping
changing the mix of units.

The Community Action Programme provides more information about the work the Council does to support the tenant communities in the social housing complexes.

Community Action Programme

Changing Needs for Social Housing

Our research shows that social housing needs in Wellington are changing - we now need more accommodation for families, although we know there will always be demand from single people or couples without children.

Bedsits are no longer as practical as they used to be. Our bedsits were originally built for working people, rather than people who were mostly at home. Regular feedback indicates that the bedsits are too small for visitors.

As part of the upgrade, some of our existing bedsits will be merged into one-bedroom apartments with living areas to provide more room for single people and couples. To meet demand from families, some bedsits may also be joined together to make two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Rehousing During Construction

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

Tenant Involvement

The Council will involve tenants in the design phase of the upgrade of their flats and keep them informed throughout the project.

Tenants will be asked to participate in events, surveys, focus groups and presentations.

The Community Action Programme will also encourage tenants to become involved through community initiatives.

More Information

Sonia Waters
Housing Upgrade Programme Manager, City Housing

Phone:	(04) 499 4444
Email:	sonia.waters