Key to open Kaiapoi development

PRIME MINISTER TO OPEN FAST TRACKED KAIAPOI DEVELOPMENT The first greenfields development approved under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act will be opened today by Prime Minister John Key when he joins over 200 invited guests to mark the official opening of Silverstream Estates in Kaiapoi. The Government approved the development, which will include up to 1115 sections, using its earthquake powers in November 2011. Since then, infrastructure development and construction has commenced, site preparation for the initial stages is well under way, and the first stage of the new community has all but sold out. Section titles for Stage One are expected in the next few weeks, with purchasers able to commence building on site now. Silverstream Estates developers John Hayson and Fred Rahme say the speed of the development to date is testament to the focus and commitment of all the parties involved, including CERA, the Wiamakariri District Council and Environment Canterbury. “In just five months, we have gone from what were quite literally greenfields to an emerging community, ready for new residents to make a start on a new home,” says John Hayson. “This wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of all the parties who have made every effort to make this possible – working closely together at every stage to achieve a great outcome for Canterbury.” “All the usual processes have been followed and requirements met – but in a fast-tracked framework. The way everyone has worked together with a great deal of goodwill has made this a shining example of what can be achieved when people are working together for the good of the community.” Today’s official opening will take place on Silverstream Boulevard, at the bridge over Silverstream. The waterway will form an important part of the community, with stone beaches and a wooden jetty enabling residents to enjoy the streamside environment, and a network of pathways and a fitness track running along its banks. The new community will also feature a large village green, dedicated play areas and pocket parks, as well as a convenience shopping area and office space. Fred Rahme says although the development has taken place at an accelerated pace, a key part of the process has been engineering the land to ensure every section meets TC1 or TC2 earthquake standards. “Every section we sell will come with its own individual geotechnical assessment, produced at our cost. And we will guarantee every section will have TC1 or TC2 compliance – because we are comprehensively engineering and preparing each site to achieve this standard,” says Fred Rahme. “We believe this is the only way to provide certainty to all our purchasers about their building costs – we are taking the unknown out of it.” “We are setting the benchmark that home owners deserve. After all these months of uncertainty, they deserve nothing less than a guarantee of safe land to build on and costs they can plan for as they start their new future.” Many of the new residents now have home plans approved by the developer ready for Council submission and a large number of homes are expected to be completed by Christmas. “This is a great start for our new residents, for Kaiapoi, and the wider region – and a great example of what can be achieved for Christchurch,” says John Hayson. “We’d like to sincerely thank everyone involved – from the Government, ECAN, CERA and the Council, to everyone who has worked tirelessly on the development to get it to this stage.”