Mayor Lester says the Council’s plan contains a raft of short, medium and long-term housing initiatives to address the complex housing issue.
“In a city with a growing population we want to make sure that all our residents not only have homes, but that they have homes which are warm, dry, safe and affordable; it’s a challenge but trust us, we’re working on it.”
The 10-year plan includes investment of $22 million of capital and $5.7 million of operational funding to deliver the Council’s housing strategy. We will also provide 750 affordable and social homes.
Other projects include establishing new entities to deliver housing and urban regeneration projects, and working with owners on the conversion of inner city commercial buildings to apartments.
We’re also working positively with Government agencies to deliver Te Whare Oki Oki and expect to begin this in the 2018/19 financial year.
Housing portfolio leader Councillor Brian Dawson says as one of the biggest landlords in the country, the City Council was uniquely positioned to work across the government and private sector, and with Wellingtonians to resolve this housing issue.
“A partnership approach to solving this complex issue will underpin our work over the next decade. We have included additional support for homelessness and emergency housing because we are committed to supporting those in need and getting them into a house,” he says.
The draft 10-Year Plan document will be discussed by Councillors on 7 March and formal consultation will begin on 15 April.
