Council Adds Six Units to Elderly Housing Stock

Six new elderly housing units on Miller Street have officially opened, adding to Invercargill's housing stock as demand continues to outstrip supply.

Invercargill City Council celebrated completion of the $2.8 million project on Friday with an opening ceremony attended by elected members, contractors, local representatives and council staff. A traditional blessing marked the final step in the Housing Innovation Project.

Acting Group Manager Infrastructure Jonathan Shaw said the new units would help address urgent need in the city.

"With the waitlist for elderly housing in Invercargill currently sitting at over 50 people, there is huge demand for accessible and affordable places for our older residents to live," he said.

"The six new units at Miller St will help better meet this demand and provide much-needed elderly housing in our city."

Construction began in May last year after four 1950s units on the site were demolished. The older buildings were no longer suitable for modern housing needs.

"Our contractors and staff have done a fantastic job, delivering the project smoothly, without any significant delays and within budget," Shaw said.

Infrastructure and Growth Committee Chair Alex Crackett said the development was part of broader improvements to Invercargill's housing stock.

"We know the pressure is there. There's a long waitlist, and a broader market that's trying to catch up with ageing housing stock and changing expectations around accessibility and quality," she said.

"When we replace outdated stock with well-designed, fit-for-purpose homes, we're not just maintaining what we have – we're actually strengthening the system. That helps ease pressure over time and creates quality options for our people."

The Miller Street location was chosen for its large, flat section and proximity to town amenities. Each unit features bathrooms designed for people with limited mobility, off-street parking and covered porches for mobility scooter storage. Tenants also have access to outdoor areas with raised garden beds.

The first residents will move in over the coming weeks.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see the houses completed and ready to become someone's new home," Shaw said.

The completion brings Invercargill City Council's total elderly housing stock to 222 units across 21 complexes in Invercargill and Bluff. The council committed to increased investment in elderly housing through its Long-term Plan 2024-2034, with the first stage completed at Stirrat Street in 2024.