A steep block of land in Nelson’s Victory Square suburb could soon be home to a new subdivision constructed using hempcrete.

The Nelson City Council has approved four new special housing areas (SHAs) as part of the Housing Accord, which is an agreement between councils and central government intended to boost housing supply.

A 15-lot block of land at 42 St Lawrence St is included in the suite of new SHAs.

Council officers advised councillors the steep section sits in a residential area but had been left until last because ‘‘it’s a difficult site’’ to develop.

The land is accessed from a right-of-way on St Lawrence St, as well as cul-de-sac Rimu St.

(The Nelson Mail, Monday 3 April 2017)

Almost three-and-a-half years and a $16.6 million upgrade later, the Trafalgar Centre is ready for its official opening.

On Saturday, the centre will play host to a day of bouncy castles, face painting, and live music, as families are invited to come and explore the revamped facility.

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese will mark the occasion with a ribbon cutting alongside Phill Jones, Brian Mills and the Nelson Giants at 3pm.

The centre seats up to 2900 people, has a refurbished kitchen, and new cedar panelling in the northern extension. The project has faced a number of delays and budget extensions, as it went from a simple earthquake restrengthening project to a full revamp, including the redevelopment of Rutherford Park, upgrading the northern building, and making ‘‘functional improvements’’ to the centre.

(The Nelson Mail, Tuesday 4 April 2017)

Vehicle access to the riverbank at the controversial freedom camping spot on the outskirts of Takaka has been blocked by gates.

A large portion of the carpark will soon be blocked off as work continues at Reilly St, located behind the Takaka Memorial Library.

Tasman District Council communications officer Chris Choat said the two gates were erected last week, and a bund was also due to be installed, which would render most of the carpark inaccessible for vehicles.

(The Nelson Mail, Wednesday 5 April 2017)

Tasman District Council and Waimea Irrigators Ltd have advertised for expressions of interest from potential builders of the proposed Waimea dam.

TDC and Waimea Irrigators Ltd are potential partners in the dam project, for which the council has earmarked $25 million in its Long Term Plan 2015-25. The project is estimated to have a total cost of $82.5m, which includes about $50m for its construction.

Contractors have been invited to provide a Statement of Interest and Ability as an initial step towards a process known as early contractor involvement. Early contractor involvement allows a preferred contractor to help complete the dam’s design and agree to a price.

(The Nelson Mail, Wednesday 5 April 2017)

Demand for million-dollar properties and sections in housing developments are growing in Nelson and Tasman, the latest Quotable Value statistics show.

QV Homevalue Nelson registered valuer, Craig Russell, said there had been increased activity within the $1 million plus price bracket with strong prices being achieved, particularly for lifestyle holdings on the outskirts of Richmond.

The March statistics show the growth in the Nelson market is up 16.9 per cent year on year and 4.5 per cent in the past three months. The average house in Nelson is worth $522,201.

Values continue to rise in the Tasman District up 16.3 per cent year on year and 2.7 per cent over the past three months. The average value is now $512,754.

(The Nelson Mail, Wednesday 5 April 2017)

Laura Ingram Kindergarten in Motueka may be bowled to make way for parking if the public library is extended.

Some horrified parents and supporters of the centre have vowed to fight for its retention on the Tasman District Council Pah St site it has long occupied behind the library.

The kindergarten opened in 1961. It is licensed for 44 children and is full. There are five teachers, an administrator and two teacher aides working in full or part-time positions.

TDC community relations manager Chris Choat said the agreement the council had with the kindy was ‘‘temporary in nature’’ reflecting the ‘‘uncertainty’’ with the site ‘‘and priced accordingly, i.e. $200 per annum’’.

Motueka Library has long been earmarked for expansion. Its redevelopment would also affect the Senior Citizens hall.

Choat said the kindy’s management had known since the mid 1990s that its site was uncertain.

(The Nelson Mail, Friday 7 April 2017)

Thought for the Week

If there were no difficulties there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing to be achieved.

(Samuel Smiles)