Work has begun on rebuilding 16 of the 51 affordable housing units at Friendship Lane, in Ashburton.

Eight duplexes built in the 1970s will be demolished and eight new, modern and warm duplexes built in their place.

Council Group Manager Business Support Leanne Macdonald said the project would cost just under $4 million, and greatly enhance the quality of the stock of elderly persons housing units in the town.

“Possession of the site takes place on 12 August and the work zone will be fenced so that demolition and construction can then begin. Those living in the 35 other units in Friendship Lane will be able to see the project roll out and our contractor will do their best to ensure minimal disruption.”

The old units had one bedroom and a living area and shared a common laundry but the new duplexes will have their own laundry space in each unit. They will also have an outdoor patio and will be heated by heat pumps.

Mrs Macdonald said the duplexes would be positioned to make the most of the sun and would be much warmer and better insulated than the old units.

“The old ones had got to the stage where they did not comply with Healthy Homes standards and the design made them hard to heat, as well as maintain and renovate. It was actually cheaper to start again.”

The last of the tenants in the 16 units to go moved out at the end of last month.

“We had planned to do the rebuild in two stages, but we’ve been able to relocate all the tenants and so we can do it in one go, which will ultimately save time and money.

“Another boost for this project is that 43 per cent of the cost will be covered by an Affordable Housing Fund grant from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, for which we’re very grateful.”

Money from the sale of former units at Kitchener Street will also help offset the cost.

The first new tenants will come from Council’s elderly persons waiting list and are expected to be moving in before the end of 2025.

The project will be managed by Council with support from Logic Group and the contractor is BP Construction, who built Terrace View retirement village in Tinwald.

“We are pleased to note that the majority of all subtrades working on this project are all locally based contractors from the Ashburton District,” Mrs Macdonald said. “This includes earthworks contractors, builders, plumbers, drain layers, painters and decorators, building merchants and the like.”