These are completely natural concerns. For too long, affordable housing has been misunderstood or poorly delivered – often seen as a separate, second-best option. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, when designed well and integrated thoughtfully, it can make communities stronger, more balanced, and more sustainable for everyone.
In South Canterbury, we are committed to providing beautifully designed homes for people of different means. We know how important it is to ensure that those who benefit from these opportunities are local. We're working with Canterbury's affordable housing officer to ensure we get this right as it remains central to our plans. Further community engagement on the subject will follow.
This article sets-out our wider thinking around the subject. Our approach moves beyond outdated assumptions and focuses on creating genuinely great places to live, for people of all backgrounds. If we get this right together, this isn’t just about building homes. It’s about building a thriving, mixed and healthy community.