New state houses will meet demand for smaller properties in Napier

“Construction on 18 new state houses will go some way to meet the growing demand for two bedroom properties in Napier,” says General Manager Asset Development, Sean Bignell.

The development will also include a small number of larger four and five bedroom properties. The properties will well insulated and have outdoor space. In addition, the development will also include a communal garden area.

Construction is due to begin this month and is expected to be completed at the end of October next year. Alexander Construction Company Limited, a local firm have been selected to undertake the work.

“Alexander Construction Company Limited are an experienced firm and we are confident they will do a good job helping us create a range of modern, warm dry properties to house those most in need in the area.” 

“Housing needs are dynamic and to be effective, we need to be agile and know where the demand is going to be before it happens.” 

“We use a sophisticated forecasting model that takes into account broad social and economic changes as well as demographic projections to inform our planning.” 

“This tells us where demand is high and low, and what size homes will be required. We then match this against the number of properties we have and the land we have available.  

“For Napier and the Hawkes Bay this meant addressing the need for smaller properties close to transport links and amenities.” 

Mark Hamilton, Managing Director, Alexander Construction Company Limited  says “Alexander Construction have a long history of working for the State housing sector dating back to the 1960's and are delighted to have been chosen to partner with Housing New Zealand in adding these new family homes to our community. 

Previously the land Kettle Crescent contained six state houses  that did not utilise the large land area.    

Sean Bignell says "They were built in the 1950’s and were cold and damp with a number of tenants complaining about this and reporting associated health issues . Because of this it was essential that we looked at how we could better use the land to meet current and future demand through providing warm, dry houses. The redevelopment was designed to achieve this and we look forward to the completion of it."