Elm Grove, Griffiths Ave developments take shape before Christmas
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust’s latest housing developments are taking shape.
Elm Grove, city
At Elm Grove, the front three new homes of the 11, one-bedroom home development are already revealing their character. With roofs in place and structural panels installed, the cottages reflect the scale and rhythm of the surrounding heritage streetscape. Set back from the footpath with space for low fencing, the homes are designed to feel familiar and well-integrated — much like their neighbouring properties.
Behind these cottage-style homes, a block of one- and two-storey units has been positioned carefully to reduce visual impact from the street. From the footpath, the ridgeline of the rear block sits only slightly above the front homes, helping maintain a low-rise streetscape and screening larger neighbouring buildings beyond the site.
Construction continues into the new year, with roofing work progressing and further exterior elements scheduled for installation in the coming months.
Griffiths Avenue, Linwood
At Griffiths Avenue, the rear block of single-storey homes has its structural panels in place and roof framing nearing completion, with roofing installation planned early in the new year. Preparation is also underway for the front two buildings, where panels are ready for installation.
The site has a long and layered history. Before residential development after the Second World War, the land was used as a municipal landfill from the mid-1800s. In the early 2000s, the wider area was extensively tested and remediated by Christchurch City Council and central government, with the site later capped and stabilised.
Today, the land is considered safe for residential use, with protective layers separating the former landfill from the surface. However, the site’s history has still influenced how construction has progressed.
During foundation works, an archaeologist carefully monitored activity as up-to 4m long piles were installed. This process led to the discovery and documentation of historic household items such as bottles, crockery and utensils — small reminders of the area’s past life.
All up, Griffiths Avenue will offer 13 one-bedroom homes.
Both new communities will welcome their first households in mid-2026.
