New subdivision in demand

The first stage of a new 17-section $2.5 million subdivision in Greenmeadows is well underway with 70 per cent of the first 10 planned sites already sold.

Napier-based development company JEMvest kicked off earthworks for the two-stage Avondale Mews at the start of the year on land bordering Wharerangi Rd and Avondale Rd which had previously been owned by the Taradale Club.

Negotiations for the land were completed around September last year, JEMvest director John Hanlen said, which opened the way for initial layout and services planning.

The strong demand for the initial 10 sections had brought forward the second stage involving the remaining seven sites.

"We are pretty well halfway through," he said of the full section development, adding that the first house had been completed and was now occupied. "It is a real boost to housing and to the area as there is not much land left in that part of Greenmeadows," Mr Hanlen said.

Redshaw Homes company director Michael Redshaw said construction would commence on five homes in the first stage over the next two months.

"The development is providing much-needed work for both section development companies and the construction industry in the area, and section sales and building consent figures will improve over the next few months because of the section demand," he said.

Mr Hanlen said the overall design of the subdivision had been planned to provide a mix of sections from 400sq m to 789sq m. "To give people options."

The smaller sections, and proximity to shops and services in the area, would benefit retired people not seeking a lot of land.

The first stage of 10 sections would be aligned toward town-house style homes, while the second stage would be larger homes suitable for families.

Section prices began at $161,000, he said. The full development will take an estimated two years to complete. "We have had plenty of interest with a lot of people waiting for the titles to come through - and at this stage that looks like August so it is all well underway."