HOUSING SCHEME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25588, 15 July 1944, Page 4

HOUSING SCHEME

HOMES FOR PENSIONERS CITY COUNCIL’S PLANS In connection with the housing proposals which-are now being investigated by the City Council, it npw appears possible, says a report which the Finance Committee will present to the meeting of the Council on Monday night, to make a forward move with regard to that portion of the proposals dealing with the provision of dwellings for pensioners. A survey of available sites indicates that there are suitable locations available on land now owned by the council, which could be utilised for making a commencement with the scheme. These sites are as under:— Land fronting Melbourne street, Fawcett street, and Kirkcaldy street at present occupied by the Works Department. This site would . provide space for 20 dwelling units. Land at the junction of Melbourne street and King Edward street. This site would accommodate probably ten units. Land in Brook street, fronting the Water-of-Leith. This site, when fully cleared, would provide space for 16 units. At present there are still some buildings on the ground. Tentative plans have already been prepared by the city engineer showing the elevation and interior layout of combined unit buildings which could be erected on any or all of the sites mentioned. On the basis of these plans, which may call for some modification after further review, it is estimated that each dwelling unit would cost approximately £637. The committee will recommend that it be now authorised to complete arrangements for putting the proposals into effect at the earliest possible date up to a limit of expenditure in the meantime of £25,000. This will involve completion of the final plans and specifications and the formulating of loan proposals on a suitable basis for the sanction of the Loans Board to the borrowing of the sum stated. The £25,000 would be sufficient to provide 38 dwellings, and at the. same time cover the cost of developing and improving the sites.