Pensioner Housing Project starts

Council's Pensioner Housing Project has kicked off with the installation of temporary fencing around what will soon be a construction site.

"The community can expect to see progress being made in February and early March as we prepare the site for the construction of six new pensioner units," said Ben Smit, Council's Deputy Chief Executive. "We are very excited to be starting the project that will see new units for our growing aged population and that we have been able to retain a portion of the reserve for public leisure use."

Council has appointed Ben Rankin to the role of Project Manager and he will be responsible for overseeing the project, coordinating the necessary consents, securing tradespeople and liaising with the tutor responsible for the workmanship of the Waiariki students to ensure quality and regulatory controls are appropriate.

Mike Fogarty, Waiariki Institute of Technology's Programme area Leader for Construction commented, Waiariki is excited to be a part of this project and looks forward to supporting South Waikato's future carpenters, electricians, and interior designers in the construction of these residential buildings for South Waikato's mature residents.

Temporary fencing will be in place for the duration of the project. Sections will be removed and replaced with permanent fencing as units are developed and let to tenants.

Council will be using a local contractor to remove nine of the large trees on the site to make way for the units.

"Council will be donating some firewood to the Lions who will be supplying pensioners through their normal channels. We have also earmarked the wood from a couple of the trees to be retained by Council and possibly used for new Talking Poles or wooden artwork feature(s) in the development of Leith Place," said Mr Rankin. "The root and stump growth will need to be removed and filled to ensure building stability before earthworks and installation of additional services like sewerage, water and power can occur."

It is expected that we will get the concrete foundations for the units down by mid-March.

"Council reminds people to be careful in the area during the operations," continued Mr Rankin. "During the tree felling operation traffic management will be in place and users of the park are encouraged to take heed of all safety precautions and instructions." Ends: words: 380