Marlborough’s Sustainable Housing Trust has brought together the building of the three four-bedroom homes in Hutcheson St, which are expected to be ready for occupation before summer.

Trust chair Dr Bev James says Mike Greer Homes has made cracking progress with the builds which only got above slab level this year.

“It was really nice to acknowledge all the tradies who’ve been working hard to put up these home so fast. It was especially good that Mayor Nadine Taylor was able to come – she’s been very supportive of this project.”

The three homes are being built with features including photo-voltaic roof panels to reduce power bills, a Homestar 6 rating for energy efficiency/sustainability and a LifeMark 5 rating to assist those with disabilities or caring for them.

Funding from the Rata Foundation and support from the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development has allowed the Marlborough Sustainable Housing Trust to build the three homes which will be allocated in coming months to families in need. The properties will be let at below market rentals and managed by Christchurch Methodist Mission.

Bev James says the trust has this week signed a conditional sale and purchase agreement to acquire five new build 4-bedroom homes.

“There’s a few hoops to go through before we are able to confirm this possible deal but I think it signals that the trust is focused on bringing together more social housing developments. Certainly there’s a huge need in Marlborough where we have 1 in 5 families paying more than half their incomes in rent.”