Hanson Court Flats
The investment that the Wellington City Council is making in the joint Crown and Council $400m Housing Upgrade Project (HUP) over the next 20 years is not just about upgrading living conditions; its about creating warm, safe, welcoming homes.
Reaching the first milestone of completing the Tower Block refurbishment has been satisfying says City Housing Manager Byron Roff. "The Building Intelligence Group has been onboard with our vision from day one. This project has had its share of construction challenges and The Building Intelligence Group has done a fantastic job of finding solutions that meet the objectives of both the client and the contractor."
35 flats in the nine level tower block of the Hanson Court flats have been upgraded. Improvements include better insulation and ventilation, double glazing, and balconies have been upgraded. Kitchens and bathrooms received the most attention and the result is clean streamlined bathrooms and kitchens with quality fittings and improved layouts. Each flat has new paint and thermal curtaining. The complete new picture was a great welcome back for tenants who were able to move back in time for Christmas.
Safety and security has also been addressed. New robust front doors and a new entrance way to the tower block have improved security, lighting and accessibility. The modernisation is also about giving the tower block a new sense of identity.
This Newtown based project is a crucial part of the major initiative that the Council is undertaking in partnership with the Crown to substantially improve social housing in the Capital. The 20 year project involves 40 housing complexes, 126 stand alone houses and over 4,000 tenants. The HUP team working right at the heart of the Council's vision to deliver improved living conditions in safer and better quality homes have worked had to get all the ingredients right. The Building Intelligence Group is thoroughly enjoying the journey. The Stage 2 programme of works has now turned to upgrading 30 flats in the five level Podium Building.