COMMUNAL FLATS IN LONDON

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 3

COMMUNAL FLATS IN LONDON

Adoption Of Scheme In N.Z. Urged

BLOCKS UP TO EIGHT STOREYS fNew Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 4. The suggestion that New Zealand could well follow the London system of community blocks of flats was.made by Mr R. H. Nimmo, a former president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, who arrived at Auckland in the Rangitata today. These blocks, up to eight storeys, often contain 40 flats. They have a fast, automatic lift service, and are sited around a central community hall. The hall caters for all community entertainment, and often includes a creche to care for the children of working mothers. The upkeep of the flats, the surrounding grounds, and the community centre is all carried out by the local council. Rents for all are low —£213 s lOd for a centrally-heated flat with two iedrooms, livingroom, bathroom, and kitchen. The facilities include refrigerator, washing machine, hot water service, and drying room. Mr Nimmo suggested that the Government and civic authorities could obtain information about the construction, finance, and control of these flats from the London County Council, and apply it to help to relieve the housing shortage.