The 187-home Strathmore Park Development is aimed at addressing the South Waikato District’s shortage of 870 houses.
The 187-home Strathmore Park Development is aimed at addressing the South Waikato District’s shortage of 870 houses.
Earthworks have begun on a $9 million project that could bring Tokoroa its biggest housing supply boost since the 1970s.
The 187-home Strathmore Park Development aimed to address the South Waikato District’s shortage of 870 houses and in the first stages, was expected to provide up to 31 affordable homes.
According to the South Waikato District Council’s press release announcing Strathmore Park’s resource consent grant, construction was also expected to provide “significant employment opportunities to local people”.
When asked how the job cuts could affect Tokoroa’s population size, the council’s head of economic and community development, Paul Bowden, said the district’s population had grown by over 10% since 2015.
“We do not expect a material change to this trend given the trajectory of the rest of our local economy.”
A blessing, karakia and the turning of the soil ceremony at the site, adjacent to sports fields off Benalder Cres took place earlier this month to mark the start of earthworks.
Bowden said new homes were “crucial” to address the current demand for housing, and Strathmore’s developer, Prime Solutions Ltd, would adjust each stage of construction to “align with fluctuations in the market”.
The council’s statement said development risk rested “solely with the developer” and no additional infrastructure was required from the council to support the development.
According to a statement from developer Prime Solutions, show homes could be available for viewing towards the end of this year.
Prime Solutions managing director Adam O’Leary said he and his family wanted to help introduce new housing options to an area that has seen “little to no significant development” in his lifetime.
“Our family have lived, worked and been part of life in Tokoroa for as long as I’ve known.
“The area is special to us, as is the land on which we plan to create the Strathmore Park subdivision.”
South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley said the build would include between 26 and 31 affordable homes for new home buyers within the development’s first three stages.
“This is great news for Tokoroa and the wider South Waikato District.”
Petley said the affordable homes would be two or three-bedroom builds valued at about $550,000.
“These homes provide an entry-level product for new home buyers and should not be confused with social housing.”
Prime Solutions’ press release on the project said its building partners were both 'locally connected'.
To mark the start of the earthworks, a blessing, karakia and the turning of the soil ceremony was held at the site, adjacent to sports fields off Benalder Cres, earlier this month.
The earthworks will be managed by Tokoroa-owned and operated company Rouse Contractors Ltd.
Prime Solutions’ press release on the project said its building partners were both “locally connected” so the project would support the local economy and foster community connection.
“Strathmore Park will offer a range of housing options, from affordable starter homes to spacious family dwellings and smart executive homes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.”
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.
