Marlborough sustainable housing trust recognised

A $2.1m housing initiative led by Marlborough’s Sustainable Housing Trust has won merit in awards dominated by projects many times its size.

The trust’s Hutcheson Street homes were recognised in the Property Council’s annual awards for features including Lifemark 5, for people with disabilities, and Homestar 7, which acknowledges features to reduce power bills. The three four-bedroom homes were tenanted late last year by low-income families.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor said the real winners of the merit award were the tenants.

“The houses the trust has designed and built delivered life-changing outcomes for the families that live in them. I said in opening the homes that anyone would be proud to live in them and that’s now been given national validation.”

“We know we have real need for more affordable homes in Marlborough and I think this award confirms the sector has capacity to help.”

Trust chair David Taylor said the award was an extraordinary achievement for an organisation with no staff and limited financial resources.

The development was an entry in the Community and Affordable Housing won by Kainga Ora for a 20-home multi-level Christchurch project.

“This is very prestigious recognition of what has been achieved by our trust on a tiny balance sheet and modest income,” says David Taylor. “The development was also the foundation for our next project which will deliver five affordable rentals for our community in September. “

The trust was focused on delivering affordable homes for those in need in the Blenheim area and was keen to talk to anyone who could help achieve its goals.

The Property Council awards showcase outstanding projects, developments and refurbishments from design to completion.