Sixty more homes for Rotorua in 'the type of development we want to see' - council

Monday, 20 December 2021

The Mountview Green development is is the first medium density build of its scale in Rotorua, the council said. Pictured is a render image of KiwiBuild homes in Frank Street.

Work is underway on 60 new homes for Rotorua and they’re hailed by council as the type of development for the future, with high density builds in existing communities.

Resource consent for 60 homes to be built at 45 Frank Street was granted earlier in December.

The news comes as housing density moves have hit headlines, with the passing into law change of a central government bill to allow townhouse-style builds of up to three storeys without resource consent in major cities.

The 60-home Rotorua build will be the second stage of the Mountview Green development which has been taking shape within Koutu, a Rotorua Lakes Council statement said. The first stage of the development on Ian Street includes 26 standalone, duplex and triplex homes. Construction of the Ian Street stage began earlier this year in April and is well underway, with some owners due to move into their new homes in the New Year.

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This is an example of a good higher density development, council’s district development deputy chief executive Jean-Paul Gaston said.

“The Mountview Green developments at Ian Street and Frank Street are a really great example of what we should be seeing in Rotorua in the near future. Higher density builds that are an efficient use of space, in already established neighbourhoods.

Work is underway on the project that will eventually see an additional 86 new homes for Rotorua.

“This development has taken into consideration the placement of homes within the site, the surrounding environment and sustainability of the homes themselves. We’re also seeing developers really consider affordability as part of their models with the introduction of the KiwiBuild homes. This will be a real benefit to the community, and is the type of development that we want to be seeing across the district.”

Once finalised, Mountview Green will provide 86 news homes for Rotorua.

The development is a significant investment into the local housing market and is the first medium density build of that scale in Rotorua, the council said. There will be a mix of homes between the two stages, from standalone three bedroom homes, to two storey two and three bedroom terraced homes.

Each home is architecturally designed and will meet healthy homes standards.

Marcus Jacobson, Mountview Green developer and Director of Watchman Capital, said that he and his family are really excited about moving on to the next stage of builds at Frank Street.

“Working with Council has been really collaborative and we’re pleased to be able to bring a new type of development to the market, with the different home typologies that Council and the community are looking for.”

“The response to the development has been really positive. We’ve had a good mix of purchasers including investors, locals and first home buyers.”

“We know there’s a big need for housing in Rotorua, and it’s been great to be able to contribute to filling a portion of that housing deficit while also seeing local first home buyers purchasing their own homes.

“The KiwiBuild homes within the development have been a big part of making sure that first home buyers were part of the mix and we’re looking forward to seeing families start arriving at their new homes in 2022.”

“Developments take a significant amount of time, investment and collaboration and we’ve been anticipating an increase in granted consents for some time, so it’s really pleasing to see this momentum taking us into the New Year,” Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said.

“In the past few weeks we have been reminded that the city needs all types of homes, from public to new greenfield developments and higher density builds. The market is responding and that’s great news for 2022.”