Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Heron Cres elder housing redevelopment in Katikati is starting to take shape and is on target to be completed by the middle of next year.

Concrete slab foundations have been laid for two of the three blocks of units, and framing is now under way.

Once completed, there will be 26 modern, accessible units on site, spread over three two-storey blocks.

The redevelopment, which is being built by Mount Maunganui company iLine Construction, more than doubles the previous elder housing offerings at Heron Cres, with the new buildings replacing 11 units that were built in the 1980s and were no longer fit for purpose.

“We are thrilled to see this important housing project progressing. Council is committed to addressing the pressing need for affordable housing for older people in Katikati, and across the district, and this is a significant step forward,” says council team leader property Nigel Sadlier.

“By providing modern, accessible units, we are helping our older people to remain engaged and connected, enhancing both their wellbeing and that of the wider community.”

Concrete slab foundations have been laid for two of the three blocks of units. Photo supplied.

Fully funded through the Better Off Fund and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Fund, it is being constructed at no cost to ratepayers.

Heron Cres is the second elder housing development council has built in Katikati, with tenants having moved into seven new units built at Beach Rd last year.

Once completed, council will have 85 elder housing units within the district - 39 in Katikati, 34 in Te Puke and 12 at Waihī Beach.

-Katikati Advertiser