Future of Jordan Avenue development uncertain2 min read
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The highly anticipated Kāinga Ora housing development on Jordan Avenue has been postponed, and faces an uncertain future.
Kāinga Ora planned to build 185 apartment-style public homes, spread over the 1.57 hectare site, in a bid to address Auckland’s ongoing housing crisis, by providing a mix of terraced houses and apartments.
The government housing agency recently announced that the project has been postponed due to unforeseen financial constraints and a reassessment of the project’s return on investment.
This decision comes after more than $1 million was spent on evicting the tenants and demolishing 62 old state flats on the site last year, and an additional $350,000 on consultants, consents, and site works.
Kāinga Ora Regional Director Central and East Auckland, John Tubberty, says “our development plans are currently paused while we work with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on our asset management strategy, including understanding priorities for our housing renewal programme.”
One woman, who was involved in finding alternative accommodation for the evicted families a year ago, says, “it is very unfair to force families out of their state homes with the promise of building more public housing, only for that promise to go unfulfilled.”
Local MP, Greg Fleming, revealed that sections of the massive piece of land might be sold to private developers, while Kāinga Ora will retain the majority for future housing projects. John says that the land has not been sold to a private developer.
“I’m quite excited about what can go on there as it is a massive piece of land,” says Greg. “I will be happy if there is a mixture of private and public housing as it will create a vibrant, diverse community that reflects the spirit of Onehunga.”
The rising construction costs and changing economic conditions have caused several Kāinga Ora projects across New Zealand to either be paused, postponed or cancelled. Other areas include Millwater, Ohakune and central Nelson.
Kāinga Ora hopes to make public its revised plans in the next 12 months.
“In the meantime, we continue to deliver state homes across Onehunga with a number of homes in construction and under contract proceeding as planned,” says John.
