16 | Social housing to the fore The development at 124 Wellesley Road, delivered for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, offers 24 one-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom homes spread over a three-level apartment building. Stead Construction T T Karen Phelp REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A 30-unit multi-storey community housing project in Napier has been completed, marking a significant milestone for social housing provision in the Hawke’s Bay region. The development at 124 Wellesley Road, delivered for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, offers 24 one-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom homes spread over a three-level apartment building. “It was a significant and complex build,” says Hugo Fitzsimons, developer at Toiora NZ which delivered the project. Built by Stead Construction, Hugo says the project presented unique challenges from the outset, largely due to the legacy of the region’s seismic history. “The ground conditions were challenging at the start as a result of the Napier earthquakes in the 1930s,” explains Hugo. “We had to remediate the site and then re-fill it with good ground, then use a Biax Foundations system to create stable foundations.” Further innovation was needed for the building’s structural elements. “An XLam flooring system came from Australia and was installed like a Lego set rather than try to build the floor in-situ on site,” explains Hugo. “The timber framing then went in on top of that. This created build efficiencies.” The site’s location also influenced design decisions, with the development team making strategic choices to maximise the project’s potential. “Because of its central location, building three storeys helped maximise the potential of the site which is zoned commercial. But it also meant more requirements for acoustic and fire engineering on a three-level project. The development team’s response to site constraints saw it work back from the corner to the road.” The project commenced in November 2023 and was completed in April 2025, providing much-needed social housing in a region still recovering from natural disasters such as Cyclone Gabrielle. The developer’s background reflects a deep understanding of the social responsibilities inherent in housing provision. As one of the founders of social agency Toiora NZ, Hugo was aware of the responsibility that comes with caring for those who are part of the public system. Through his exposure to at-risk youth Hugo was able to gain a first-hand understanding of the role that housing plays in the rehabilitation of those less fortunate. His understanding has informed the approach taken at Wellesley Road, where the focus extended beyond simply providing accommodation to creating a development that would serve residents effectively for years to come. Hugo says the completion of 124 Wellesley Road comes as Toiora NZ continues to expand its social housing portfolio. The organisation has recently been registered as a Community Housing Provider, making it only the second privately owned organisation in New Zealand to achieve this status. “In a challenging funding environment for community housing we are identifying key priority areas,” says Hugo. “We will use our status as a community housing provider to continue to develop more much needed housing in this space.” Painter/Decorator Norton Painting and Decorators Ltd • Specialising in Interior & Exterior • Water Blasting • Pools • Chemical House Wash • Wallpapering • Residential & Commercial • Airless Spray Painting-including Doors and Roofs • 20 + Years in the Industry Family owned and operated with no job too big or too small Servicing the entire Hawke's Bay 06 843 2554 | 027 341 1145 | nortonpaintinghb@gmail.com 0800 78 98 70 sales@ oormart.co.nz oormart.co.nz Quality ooring at the best prices, ontime! Contact us to find out more: Hillmac Electrical proudly supports Stead Construction Ltd. “Solution Focused” Hillmac Electrical 11a Martin Place, Havelock North admin@hillmacelectrical.co.nz 06 877 9156 www.hillmacelectrical.co.nz Hillmac have a diverse team that can provide electrical solutions for your Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Solar and Structured Cabling requirements. We continually look at innovative ideas using the latest technology and products.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=