The area outlined in red shows the proposed site of housing for the elderly and tiny homes for other residents in Aramoho, thanks to the scoping exercise by Te Ao Hou Marae.
The area outlined in red shows the proposed site of housing for the elderly and tiny homes for other residents in Aramoho, thanks to the scoping exercise by Te Ao Hou Marae.
About 90 new homes are set to be developed in Aramoho by Whanganui’s Te Ao Hou Marae.
Initial plans for the 10ha of land behind Churton School have been unveiled after the completion of geotechnical tests.
The plans include the development of about 90 homes, with 20 set aside forthe elderly, 10 tiny homes and a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.
“It is a man-made culvert that has just been placed there, and I think the bending of it opens up potential for further building and makes it a much better feature,” Hipango said.
“It will also address some of the flooding concerns from that part of our community neighbourhood - we need to be responsible in factoring that in.”
Hipango believed this project would serve the community well.
“We believe that we are not coming to this empty-handed. The land is available, but there is equity within that land where capital can be raised.
“We are going to need further assistance. We are not a big commercial housing operator that just comes in and leaves. We live in the area, we care, we believe that the approach ... we are aiming for is mindful and that it will meet a need for our community.”
A master plan would now be formed to contribute to a pending business case.
“Once we are satisfied with the near-final draft, we will open that out to community stakeholder consultation,” Hipango said.
