Former Whareama site in Stoke to become public housing

Kate Russell

The former Whareama Rest Home and Hospital in Stoke is set to become 26 new public homes.

Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities has entered a conditional contract with Redwood Property Group to purchase the homes at 81 Neale Avenue once they are completed in January 2025. The proposed development will include eight one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom homes.

Julia Campbell, regional director for Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast, says with 261 people in Nelson currently on the public housing register, the development will provide much-needed housing for individuals and families.

“We’re pleased to have an agreement in place that could help us to provide more homes in a prime location, with transport routes, shops, schools and other services right on the doorstep.”

She says the developer’s plans for the site are still in the “very early stages”.

“We’ll continue to work closely with them as things progress to ensure the proposed development best meets the needs of the people who will live there, and the wider community. We’re also committed to continuing to keep residents informed as we have more information to share.”