NEW STATE FLATS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22789, 13 January 1944, Page 3

NEW STATE FLATS

Five Storeys High

CONSTRUCTION IN WELLINGTON

The first section of the ne v block of State flats on Wellington Terrace is rapidly nearing completion, says “The Dominion.” Five storeys high and constructed in reinforced concrete, this section will contain 17 one-bedroom flats.

It was originally intended to erect only the outer shell meantime and to use it as barracks for wowien of the Armed Forces stationed in Wellington. It is now considered possible, however. that it may be finished off and made available for occupation as flats early this year. All the concrete work is completed and only interior and exterior finishing remains to be done. It is expected that the building will be ready for use by April 1. Surveying for the second and main section of the block is now proceeding, but it is not yet known when the work of construction will begin. As tentatively planned in the first instance this section was to be nine storeys high, containing 78 flats, mostly of two bedrooms, but some of one and some of three bedrooms. It is by no means certain, however. I hat this plan will be adhered to. The height of the building will depend on the state of the foundations and other factors which are at present being investigated. When building work will begin, the director of housing construction, Mr G. W. Albertson, said, will depend on the labour market. Mr Albertson added that after this month it was expected that a good deal more labour would be available for both private and State housing work. The two sections of the block are to be placed at an obtuse angle, viewed from The Terrace, so as to give each flat the maximum sun and a view of the harbour. A large triangular piece of ground in front will be laid out in lawns, gardens and shrubberies.