Te Tumu Paeroa recently secured a $100,000 grant for a Wellington trust to spend on a feasibility study into affordable housing.

The site of Polhill Gully Trust (Ohiro Secs 19 & 21) is currently occupied by a circa 1930’s building that has reached the end of its life.  To maximize the benefit for owners, the trustees are looking at options for redeveloping, and the construction of 16 affordable, three-bedroom, rental apartments is being explored.

Richard Wickens, from Te Tumu Paeroa, says that the grant is the first step in turning this possibility into a reality.  “This land was acquired by way of a land-swap nearly ten years ago.  Since then, the trustees have been interested in redeveloping the site for accommodation and this feasibility study will show whether or not it is financially viable.  Once the feasibility report is completed, it will be presented to the owners for their views,” says Richard. 

In order to obtain the grant funding, Te Tumu Paeroa has worked closely with the advisory trustees, The Property Group (Wellington) and the Social Housing Unit (SHU) of the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment.  It took two months’ work to complete the application, and funding was approved by SHU at the beginning of May 2014.

The feasibility study is being carried out by The Property Group, in collaboration with firms of architects and engineers.