A government cash injection is expected to accelerate development in Christchurch’s Cranford Basin, creating more affordable housing near the amenities of the central city.
On Thursday, Housing Secretary Megan Woods announced a $540 million plan to build pipes, roads and a bicycle bridge, to support the development of 16,600 new homes across the country.
Christchurch will receive $30.9 million for new transportation infrastructure, as well as sewage, stormwater and freshwater upgrades to build approximately 1,400 new homes in a large development area in Cranford Basin in Papanui.
Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter said the development will include new public housing and affordable housing, built gradually over the next seven years.
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“This is a good example of how the government, Paenga Kupenga (mana whenua’s economic arm), the private sector and the municipality work together to identify and deliver housing outcomes.”
Bruce Rendall, the council’s head of urban growth and property, said the funding would enable housing developments between Cranford and Grassmere sts, in the east of Papanui.
“While the funding benefits the entire residential development area at this site, the initial focus is on the Grassmere Street area between Rutland Reserve and Grants Road.
“The funding brings forward investment in infrastructure, allowing the private sector to develop housing ahead of schedule.”
Dean Kozanic/Stuff
Land on the west side of Cranford Street has long been earmarked for housing (file photo).
The funded stormwater projects will also create additional network capacity for surrounding suburbs, while the new wastewater infrastructure would reduce overflows during heavy rainfall.
A total of 13 proposals have received funding from this round of the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF), spread across 11 centers across the country.
It followed previous funding allocations from $6.1 million in December last year, $179 million in Julyand $192 million last monthSecretary Woods said.
“To date, $916.3 million in IAF funding has been allocated to infrastructure projects across the country.
“Combined, these IAF-funded projects are expected to enable some 30,000 to 35,000 new homes for New Zealanders over the next 10 to 15 years.”