More pensioner housing on the way
Council announced today that funding has been freed up for more pensioner housing following the sale of 36 units to a local housing charity.
Council's Palmer Street housing complex was sold on Tuesday to Habitat for Humanity Central North Island who will take over the ownership, management and operation of the units for pensioners. Habitat already operate Freeman Court, an independent living complex neighbouring the Palmer Street units. Palmer Street residents will remain in the units after the sale.
Waipa District Council's property manager John Miles said the sale is a move in the right direction for Waipā and will allow for additional pensioner housing units to be built.
Pensioner housing is already in hot demand and this sale will allow us to build additional units to meet our aging population's needs.
Habitat for Humanity CNI general manager Nic Greene said there were some excellent synergies between the Palmer Street units and neighbouring Freeman Court with the potential to share resources and services.
As an accredited social landlord, Habitat has access to funding opportunities that the council doesn't. We look forward to working with council to support the provison of more housing in the future.
Waipa District Council has a strong commitment in the 2018-2028 Long-Term Plan for pensioner housing with plans to build more units over the next three years. Council has upgraded its pensioner housing stock in recent years, modernising the units to ensure they are warm and safe. Pensioner housing units are available to those aged 65 and over in Waipā and continue to be in demand with 40 people currently on the waiting list.