New homes for Elm Grove

ŌCHT is building 11 new homes on the site of its old Elm Grove housing complex.

Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (ŌCHT) is improving upon a nearly 70-year history of social housing at Elm Grove.

Our contractors have began site work to replace the old Elm Grove social housing complex with a community of 11 warm, dry and efficient one-bedroom homes.

ŌCHT chief executive Cate Kearney says the Trust is investing in new homes that will sustainably and comfortably house people for many decades to come.

“The old units served their purpose, but were no longer longer suitable for modern living, especially when it comes to energy efficiency and warmth.

The community is designed with the street’s special character in mind, reflecting its intimacy and screening it from taller neighbouring buildings.

“Our goal is to create homes that meet the needs of today and tomorrow, homes that are not only functional but also improve the quality of life for the people who live in them.

“These new homes are designed to be healthier, more energy-efficient, and more comfortable, ensuring they remain a valuable community asset for decades to come.”

The units will provide new, affordable housing options for people who cannot find or afford suitable housing on the open market.

There is consistent demand for one bedroom homes in Christchurch; longest applicant waiting list on the Public Housing Register is for one-bedroom homes.

“While it’s true that the scale of demand far outweighs what any single development can address, every new home represents a step toward easing that pressure.

“These units are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals or couples who might otherwise struggle to find affordable and suitable housing.

“By providing modern, warm, and efficient homes, we’re helping the people who move in and easing pressure on other housing options, benefiting our community.”

The old Elm Grove housing complex was past is due date. The taller buildings are neighbours and not part of the old complex.

The community is designed with the street’s special character in mind. Street-facing, single-storey units reflect its intimacy, and the off-street units screen it from taller neighbouring buildings.

“We’ve worked hard to balance the need to provide more great homes with the character, built form rhythm and liveability of our shared neighbourhood.

“We want our new units to add-to our neighbourhood, both as a new development and as a community of people who will call Elm Grove home.”

An independent commissioner approved ŌCHT’s resource consent application in December 2024.

The new community is designed by Gravity Architecture. It is anticipated the new homes will be ready for tenants in mid-2026.

The Christchurch City Council owned and operated Elm Grove as social housing until it was transferred to ŌCHT as part of the Christchurch Housing Accord.

The council identified Elm Grove as having potential for redevelopment in its Social Housing Asset Management Plan 2020.