The Fast-track Approvals Bill could bring 8,000 new homes to Wellington.
On Sunday, the government announced 149 projects included in this bill, which will go to the environment select committee this month. Among these, six out of 11 projects aim to create over 8,000 homes in Kāpiti Coast and Hutt Valley.
The Wellington Company has two projects planned, which could add 2,350 homes around Kāpiti Coast. Developments at Plimmerton Farm in Porirua and Silverstream Forest in Upper Hutt have also been approved, despite some past controversies.
Porirua is expected to gain 3,300 new homes under this bill. The Plimmerton Farm project plans to build 2,400 homes, along with commercial areas, a retirement village, and a school. However, environmental groups criticize this project due to its closeness to the Taupō Swamp, a significant natural area. Porirua’s mayor, Anita Baker, supports the project, stating that the city desperately needs more housing.
The Silverstream Forest Development plans to develop 1500-2040 new homes on 330 hectares. There has been opposition from the Upper Hutt City Council, which is trying to block the project by changing the land zoning due to its location near a landfill.
The Wellington Company’s New Central Park project will add 1,800 new homes and expand the Paraparaumu Town Centre with new commercial and retail options. Another project at Ōtaki Māori Racing Club will include 550 homes, and Waikanae could see 1,000 new homes from the Waikanae North Developments.
Additionally, the “Long Tunnel” project aims to build a 4 km tunnel under the city to ease traffic at congestion points. The New Zealand Transport Agency is currently investigating this tunnel plan.
Other approved projects include replacing undersea cables between the North and South Islands and a seawall replacement at Wellington Airport.
