Yesterday, civic and private developers in Clutha reported steady progress on three major subdivisions in the district.
Clutha District Council has projects at an early stage in Balclutha and Stirling, and Milton developer Andrew Clark said he was about to start marketing for his Springwell Rise subdivision in Tokoiti.
Mr Clark said an initial, 34-section stage of the eventual 89-section subdivision, on the outskirts of Milton, was progressing to schedule.
Work on the subdivision began last February.
"We’re on schedule, with sections available now, and titles anticipated by May/June.
"We’ve never had a problem with materials as reported elsewhere, because we ordered early, so supply chain issues haven’t really affected us at all. We’re expecting to make good progress this summer."
He said section size and pricing had been pitched at those looking to downsize, or families looking for market entry.
Stage 1 sections would range from 315sq m to 890sq m, and a mid-range, 500sq m section would cost $195,000.
"We feel that’s pretty reasonable under current market conditions. Tokoiti is a beautiful rural community with great schools nearby, a new swimming pool and main street improvements announced by the council [in Milton], and only 35 minutes from Dunedin.
"We’ve had strong initial demand, and we expect that to continue."
Clutha District Council chief executive Steve Hill praised Mr Clark’s initiative, and said the first sections from the council’s own projects could be up for sale by the end of the year.
"It’s a positive sign that a major private subdivision development is under way in Milton.
"Nearly every [Clutha] town and community is looking to increase housing stock as a primary objective.
"Communities are also looking to build on the success of the Kaitangata community by replicating the Kaitangata House and Land package."
He said the council’s Rosebank, Balclutha subdivision would have 18 lots, and allow for adjoining private development of up to 37 additional lots.
Prospective buyer interest had been strong, and tenders for construction were open.
The Boyd St, Stirling subdivision would have 28 lots, although development would not begin until next year, he said.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he remained pleased with the level of activity, although more remained to be done.
"I believe Clutha is fortunate to have identified early and established strategies to alleviate the dual threat of a lack of staff and housing.
"But it still remains the greatest impediment to our district’s economy, and we are seeing an unprecedented breadth of issues right across all forms of employment. The challenges loom like never before in the coming months."
