New family homes planned for Bromley

A trio of new homes will bring fresh opportunities to families in east Christchurch.

Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (ŌCHT) is building three modern, 3-bedroom houses in Bromley to provide much needed warm, dry, and efficient affordable homes for whanau.

ŌCHT chief executive Cate Kearney says the new homes will shift families from stressful and costly housing insecurity into long-term homes where they can settle and grow.

“There simply aren’t enough affordable properties for families in our city and it’s getting tougher for low-income earning households to find secure, long-term homes,” Ms Kearney says.

“We know with the security of a home, children can settle in school, adults can access support and opportunities, and families can contribute to our communities, which benefits us all.

“We also believe a home is at the heart of independence and wellbeing. So, at McGregors Road, we’re building homes with purpose: they’ll help families leave housing insecurity and provide new opportunities to settle, grow and flourish.”

The McGregors Road site is perfectly positioned for community connection, with excellent access to bus routes, schools, medical centres, shops, and many clubs and activities.

The brownfields development is carefully designed to balance housing need with space for families to grow on a large site in an established community.

The homes will be standalone and single storey to reflect the community in which they are built, and children can play safely in their private fenced yards.

ŌCHT was last year named a Homestar Champion for five years championing and applying Homestar standards, underscoring its leadership in creating healthier, more affordable-to-run homes across the city.

This work continues at McGregor’s Road, where the homes are designed with Homestar standards in mind so households can be confident in their long-term comfort, lower energy bills, and a healthier living environment.

Comfort and health will be further enhanced with superior insulation, clever passive solar design harnessing natural light and warmth, and efficient ventilation systems.

Energy-efficient heat pumps, smart hot water cylinders and heightened overall thermal performance will also mean significantly lower power bills for households. Durable materials will keep the homes warm and watertight.

Low-maintenance and durable, they will support families for generations to come.

“Families who make a fresh start at McGregors Road will make their home in a property that’s healthy, affordable and sustainable, a home of which they can be proud," Ms Kearney says.

The households will be supported by ŌCHT’s sector-leading tenancy and maintenance teams.

The homes are designed by Gravity Architects, a Christchurch-based and award-wining firm that has worked with ŌCHT on similar projects. They will be built by experienced local company Bushnell Builders.

Site work is expected to start in February 2026. Construction should be complete by the last quarter of the year.

Since 2019, ŌCHT has opened new communities in Halswell, Hornby, New Brighton, Opawa, Richmond, St Albans, St Martins, Somerfield, Spreydon, Sydenham and Waltham. ŌCHT is currently building new homes in the city (Elm Grove) and Linwood (Griffiths Avenue).