| 23 T T Karen Phelps Improving communities with affordable housing Located on Nile Street the project is being developed by Soho Group in partnership with Home in Place and will deliver 38 inner-city apartments across two- and three-storey buildings. Soho Group: Scott Construction - Nile St REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A housing project in Nelson is setting a new precedent for affordable housing delivery in New Zealand, marking the first partnership where a community housing provider and private developer will share ownership of units within the same development. Located on Nile Street the project is being developed by Soho Group in partnership with Home in Place and will deliver 38 inner-city apartments across two- and three-storey buildings. “To make the project feasible, this model was developed between Soho Group and Home in Place,” explains Brad Davis, general manager of deals, acquisitions & partnerships at Soho Group. “It’s a way of assisting our community housing-provider sector into asset ownership and a model we could potentially offer going forward. It takes a very solid relationship between the two parties, but overall it’s a really good outcome for the industry, and it’s another way to procure and deliver affordable housing across New Zealand.” Designed by Assemble, the development is being undertaken by Scott Construction as the main contractor. Brad says the development’s location in Nelson’s centre reflects Soho Group’s strategic approach to site selection. He says the Nile St development showcases the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability, with the goal that it will achieve Homestar 6 certification. The project includes a community room with bathroom and kitchen facilities, designed to foster a sense of connection among residents. There is a working around a church at the front of the site, which Soho Group sees as an exciting opportunity to lease to a faith group upon completion. Founded in 2017 by managing director Sam Wallace, Soho Group has established itself as a significant player in New Zealand’s social and affordable housing sector. It has already delivered over 300 completed homes across Auckland and regional New Zealand, with the Nelson project marking a significant expansion of its operations. “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 Nile St development is part of Soho Group’s wider portfolio of medium-density developments across the North Island, including projects in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki. Each project undergoes rigorous urban design processes, considering aspects from crime prevention through design to privacy standards and energy efficiency. It works over different models, including home ownership, progressive home ownership and affordable rental models. “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,” says Brad. The Nile St project represents Soho Group’s first venture into the South Island market. Civil works and foundations are already complete, with vertical construction underway. The project is due for completion in 2026. “Soho Group likes to focus on growth areas across New Zealand, and Nelson is certainly one of those. This project will set us up for similar deliveries in Nelson and the wider Tasman region.” PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY FIRE PROTECTION IQP INSPECTIONS BUILDING WOF Nelson: 03 548 2640 office@ffpnelson.co.nz ffpnelson.co.nz Proudly supporting Soho Group Together we’re building New Zealand placemakers.co.nz NELSON MARLBOROUGH HUB PROUD TO SUPPORT SOHO GROUP Serving the Nelson & Tasman regions since 1915 Proudly supporting Scott Construction & SOHO Group
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=