PHOTO: Former state house are still pockmarked around the development. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
A steady stream of potential buyers – along with the merely curious – have taken advantage of the first open homes at the KiwiBuild project in the New Plymouth suburb of Marfell.
Bernie Webb was impressed by the KiwiBuild properties in Marfell. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Seventeen of 68 properties are now on the market and five are already under contract.
But neighbours of the development in one of the city’s poorest areas remain sceptical about the project’s merits.
Built on land where dozens of neglected state houses were demolished in 2008 forcing about 20 families from their homes and where yet more were bulldozed in 2017, it is hoped the $23 million Discovery Development will rejuvenate the neighbourhood.
Priced at between $400,000 and $450,000, the well-appointed and fully-insulated three or four homes attracted about 50 groups over the weekend.
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