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Parnell upgrade finds favour
- John (seated) shows his refurbished flat to Jess Denholm and Byron Roff from Wellington.
Parnell tenant John enjoyed showing his reconfigured pensioner unit to visiting Wellington City Council project staff late last year.
"I'm more than happy to be living in this fabulous place...really happy with this situation," said John, as he looked around his light and airy flat.
John's unit in the Avon-Stanwell Street complex was originally constructed for the Auckland City Council in the 1960s. It was among 1,542 units sold to Housing New Zealand Corporation five years ago, when the designs and layouts were seen as outdated and unsuitable for modern living.
Work to reconfigure and redevelop the units was phased over five years at a cost of about $75 million. During 2007-2008, the 36 Parnell bedsits were gutted, and taken right back to the concrete foundations and block walls. The completed project has resulted in 26 upgraded units with modern amenities that have delighted their occupants. Interior changes include insulation, painting, new vinyl, wool carpet and new curtains along with new kitchen and bathroom fittings. Some units were also increased in floor size.
Wellington City Council is beginning a massive 20-year upgrade of its rental housing, and project director Byron Roff brought his team to view some of Housing New Zealand's upgraded pensioner sites in Auckland recently.
