Another RDP first from the Alexandra Renewal Project
[Marlboro Social Housing Phase 1]
A major challenge facing the ARP is the shortage of land. While there
is a clearly identified need to provide RDP housing within Alexandra,
the question is where?
Whilst the ARP has successfully increased density by urban design that
reduces plot size from the traditional 250m2 to 80m2 this is still not
sufficient to meet the needs of the housing backlog in Alexandra, and
the ARP has had to seek high density alternatives.
Traditionally high density, multi-storey housing has always been for
rental, but the challenge now is how to provide high density RDP or
“give-away” housing.
The potential for RDP multi-storey solutions is not as simple as
putting one RDP house on top of another. Whereas a stand-alone
property is the responsibility of its owner-occupant, in a multi-unit
rental complex the occupants pay rent and part of that rent goes on a
management fee, which is a significant ongoing expense.
The ARP has looked to trends in the commercial housing sector and in
an innovative adaptation has created a solution that is uniquely
suited to Alexandra’s RDP needs, and which should contribute to
alleviation of housing shortage in Alex.
In this pilot project the ARP is to develop a multi-storey RDP
complex. Beneficiaries will own their units as in any other RDP
development, but within a Sectional Title framework. Sectional Title
will put the management of, and responsibility for, the complex in the
hands of the individual owners, represented on a body corporate.
The land, situated beside the Marlboro Transit Facility, was
originally earmarked for flats for people in transit, but the property
has been rezoned and the project is ready for implementation.
In Phase 1 of the development a complex of 48 units will be
constructed in a high-density configuration around a central open
courtyard. The complex will rise to 3 storeys on one aspect with a
lower 2 storey northern orientation to allow for maximum natural light
into open spaces. Landscaping the site will ensure a secure living
environment for residents, with parking, general lighting and laundry
facilities.
Each 34m2 unit will consist of an open plan living space with a
bathroom and kitchen, and pay-as-you-go electrical connections. Solar
energy and other cost-saving devices will be deployed wherever
possible to assist owners in ongoing maintenance of their units.
The ARP team believes that a viable high density RDP housing solution
must be found, and is confident that this pilot project will be
successful. A later Phase 2 will extend onto adjacent Council-owned
land and will accommodate an additional 120 units.
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