12 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Northland: Soho Group T T Karen Phelps Community housing sets the standard Soho Group’s latest development in Whangarei is a good example of the company’s ability to deliver much needed high quality community housing. The project, located at Wanaka Street, Tikipunga, encompasses 69 architecturally designed homes and one of the stand-out features of the development is a commitment to sustainability and accessibility. The homes are designed to meet Homestar 6 standards, emphasising improved efficiency, sustainability and health benefits. This commitment aligns with Soho Group’s vision of creating progressive and innovative residential developments in the regions, says Brad Davis, Soho’s National Development Manager/General Counsel who works closely alongside Soho’s key clients and stakeholders to identify, procure, develop and lead innovative housing opportunities across New Zealand. “Lifemark 4 standards have also been integrated into the design, ensuring increased accessibility and flexibility of use. These features ensure that the homes cater to a diverse range of needs, making them suitable for all members of the community,” says Brad. The development doesn’t stop at individual homes; it also prioritises community spaces. Carefully landscaped common exterior areas have been crafted to provide attractive spaces for people to meet and relax. The provision of an onsite manager’s office and community room enhances the sense of community and support within the development, says Brad. He says that respected urban designers were consulted during the project’s planning phase, ensuring a place-based approach that positively contributes to the fabric of Tikipunga. The Tikipunga development is a collaboration with Kainga Ora, with 55 of the homes being developed in partnership with them. These homes will be provided to whanau in need of housing, addressing the critical issue of public housing in Northland, which has a disproportionate number of Maori in need of housing. Additionally, Soho Group is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Te Pae to develop 14 affordable terraced housing options, ensuring that a broad spectrum of the community can benefit from this initiative, says Brad. Soho Group was founded in 2017 by managing director Sam Wallace primarily to provide social housing that was well designed, warm and safe. With a background in law, property development, and asset management Sam is passionate about delivering optimal tenant outcomes through design-led housing solutions. Today the focus of Soho Group extends to providing affordable, innovative and sustainable medium-density housing solutions. It has already delivered over 300 completed homes across Auckland and regional New Zealand. “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,” says Brad. The architectural design of the buildings typically undergoes a rigorous urban design process. This process considered aspects ranging from crime prevention through the building’s design to privacy standards, greenery, cladding, and energy efficiency. A contemporary and stylish design is central to each Soho Group project’s aesthetics. Brad says that Soho Group’s Wanaka Street development is a testament to the Group’s dedication to delivering high-quality, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions. “With every project we do we are aiming to set a new standard for medium-density housing, contributing to the betterment of the community by providing comfortable, accessible, and environmentally conscious homes for all as we continue to expand our reach from Whangarei to Nelson.” Specialist engineering solutions riley.co.nz Civil | Geotechnical | Water Resources | Environmental Riley_Business North_ad_126.5x60mm.indd 1 24/07/23 2:51 PM
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