Over 120 new homes in the pipeline for Masterton
BECKIE WILSON
One of Masterton’s largest subdivisions, expected to contain more than 120 homes, has been confirmed in a $70m project off Ngaumutawa Rd.
Wairarapa Jennian Homes managing director Gareth Norris purchased the last piece of the subdivision puzzle last Friday and believes the project will help Masterton’s housing shortage.
The entire subdivision is made up of four blocks of land totalling 54 acres in between Ngaumutawa Rd and Chamberlain Rd in Upper Plain.
Council consents are yet to be approved and the finer details ironed out, but Mr Norris knows the type of subdivision he wants to build — “One of the best subdivisions Masterton has seen”.
“There will be a mix of homes, styles, sizes, looks and prices, and a mix of people living there – first-home owners, families, and retirees.”
Mr Norris, who has been managing director for 13 years, said stage one was likely to start within a year.
The prices or sizes of the sections had not been established, he said, and added that these would be based on market demand at the time.
“[This is] to make the most of the land and location’s best features and create an inspirational location within Masterton’s township.”
The development will centre around established oak trees to take in the country feel, with the view of the Tararua Range in the distance.
“With new, quality homes within walking distance to the rail link, we may even help grow the town.”
The project would provide employment confidence in the local residential building industry and employment opportunities for local tradies, including apprentices, he said.
“Masterton needs more homes, we have a rental shortage [and] this development will help ease the housing shortage in Masterton.”
The seed of this project was planted in early 2017 when Mr Norris was looking for a decent block of land to develop.
By mid-2017, he had bought one block and the rest became available around the same time.
Purchase of the final piece was confirmed on Friday.
Born and bred in Masterton, Mr Norris had hoped he would get the opportunity to develop the block of land.
He said he felt privileged to be apart developing this area for the community to live in for years to come.
Mr Norris bought the final piece of land from developer Dave Borman and Newbold’s owner John Heginbotham.
Mr Borman and Mr Heginbotham bought the 44 acres, which consisted of farm land and three houses, in 2004.
They had no real plans for it at the time, so it was looked after by the loyal tenants and famers, Mr Borman said.
Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott said a subdivision such as this was a flow on result when there was a demand for housing.
A subdivision of this size would bring more people to the town, children to the schools, and there will be more people spending in the town, he said.
“It’s a positive for the town, any economic activity is welcome.”
Masterton Mayor Lyn Paterson was delighted that Jennian Homes would be offering a range of homes for locals and for those wanting to buy and move to Masterton.
“I know that council staff will work with Jennian Homes and make sure this subdivision is going to be really great for Masterton,” she said.
