SunLive – Homelessness: Council sells Smiths Farm

In what is being called a major step in tackling Tauranga’s housing shortage, Tauranga City Council has reached an agreement with Venture Developments Ltd for the development of at least 307 new homes at the property known as ‘Smiths Farm”.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the project is poised to deliver a range of housing solutions, including affordable homes, to the heart of the community.

“Smiths Farm, located between Bethlehem and Tauriko, has long been recognized as a strategic opportunity for housing development.

“The project will help increase housing supply in Tauranga, which is needed to address the urgent need for more affordable and medium-density housing.

“This development is expected to help mitigate the city’s housing crisis by providing a variety of housing options that suit different needs and price points.

“This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to increasing housing supply, with an agreed minimum density of 307 new homes planned for the site.”

The council selected Venture Developments as the preferred developer for Smiths Farm following an extensive assessment process.

The agreement includes the sale of land for 34 million dollars based on the planned developable area.

Venture Developments chief executive Jarod Thorpe said now the deal is unconditional, the next phase of planning and development can begin.

“Initial works are expected to start soon with a variety of section sizes and types of homes to be delivered.

“Section sizes range from 3000 square meters on the outer edges with medium density housing built in the heart of the subdivision.

“All sections and houses will take advantage of the elevated views that capture important landmarks such as Mauao.

“Close to Bethlehem city center and the Tauranga CBD, the first homes are expected to be ready for occupation by mid-2028 and the entire project is expected to be completed by 2031. The timing depends on NZTA completing the access road from the new Takitimu Northern Link highway.”

Venture Developments will partner with the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund (HEF) to deliver 21 units of affordable housing as part of the development.”

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale. Photo / Provided

Drysdale said the delivery of affordable housing was a critical outcome for the council.

“Council has committed to investing $20 million in the HEF, which is designed to support long-term housing affordability across the region.

“Of this global funding, $5 million was conditional on the delivery of affordable housing at Smiths Farm. A

“As well as providing affordable housing, the development will stimulate economic growth by creating construction jobs and related opportunities throughout the development cycle, while improving the overall health of the housing market in Tauranga.”