82 | DEVELOPMENT Soho Group: 18 Linton Street T T Karen Phelps Addressing city’s social housing needs The Linton St development showcases the company’s leasing model and was privately funded by Soho Group. “Our vision is based around housing affordability. We’re passionate about brownfield developments and better conversion of land throughout the regions in New Zealand.” A new social housing development has recently opened in the heart of Palmerston North, marking another milestone in addressing the region’s housing needs. The 18 Linton Street development, which welcomed its first residents in January, comprises 15 generously proportioned units across two separate, three-level buildings in a prime central location. “The aim is to deliver affordable living by intensifying sites near the city centre to achieve this. Across the road is a supermarket, and people are just two blocks from downtown,” says Brad Davis, general manager of project developer Soho Group. The development comprises nine, two-bedroom units measuring 74-78sqm, and six one-bedroom apartments of 54sqm each. Soho Group serves as the developer, land owner and asset manager, while Home in Place (New Zealand) Limited will manage the tenancies. The Ministry of Housing has provided funding to subsidise rent to ensure it remains affordable for residents. “Manawatu has always been an area of need, and a good example of how building a network creates efficiencies to deliver quality affordable housing,” explains Brad. He says the Linton St development showcases the company’s leasing model and was privately funded by Soho Group, demonstrating the potential for private investment in social housing solutions. The company has also recently expanded its Palmerston North portfolio with the opening of a 51-unit development on North St for Kāinga Ora. This turnkey project features a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom terrace homes, along with a 60sqm communal space complete with courtyard and planting boxes. Founded in 2017 by managing director Sam Wallace, Soho Group was established with a mission to provide social housing that is well-designed, warm and safe. Since then, it has expanded its vision to deliver affordable, innovative and sustainable medium-density housing solutions throughout New Zealand. The group works in partnership with Community Housing Partners, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and Kāinga Ora, to address housing shortfalls across the country. To date, it has completed over 500 homes across Auckland and regional New Zealand. Brad says Soho Group takes a strategic approach to development. “Soho Group procures development sites around key amenities, such as supermarkets, healthcare, schools, parks and green spaces. “Our vision is based around housing affordability. We’re passionate about brownfield developments and better conversion of land throughout the regions in New Zealand.” Soho Group has plans for an additional 24 units on Ranfurly St, another centrally located site in Palmerston North, Brad says. This upcoming project will be undertaken as a joint venture with Rangitāne, with the organisations collectively owning the land, and Emerge Aotearoa managing the tenancies. Soho Group has a number of other medium-density developments underway across the country, including developing high-quality public housing in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Nelson Tasman. “There has been a lot more demand for social housing over the past years, and our projects help to address this need. “We strive to redefine medium-density housing with each project, creating comfortable, accessible, and environmentally conscious homes that enhance the community while continuously expanding our impact.” For all your Structural Needs • WATERJET CUTTING • MACHINE SHOP • STAINLESS STEEL • CERTIFIED WELDING (STRUCTURAL & PIPE) • SHEET-METAL WORK PH: 06 344 4108 | 437 Heads Rd E: mike@eliteengineering.co.nz Underpinning Foundation Correction Raft Slab Piling Building Foundations Commercial Ecologically Sensitive Sites Furniture Footings Misplaced Pile Correction Temporary Structures Proudly Supporting Soho Group SCREW PILE FOUNDATION SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT AUCKLAND DIVISION (FROM TARANAKI NORTH) PH: 09 212 8986 / 021 391 477 SOUTHERN DIVISION (FROM TARANAKI SOUTH) PH: 09 212 8986 INFO@SCREWPILESOLUTIONS.CO.NZ WWW.SCREWPILESOLUTIONS.CO.NZ
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