Members of local iwi group Te Haa o te whenua o Kirikiriroa (THaWK) joined the Jack’s Landing development team, Jack’s House Transit representatives and contractors from Camex Civil on Wednesday 9 December to bless the site and turn the first sod for the residential housing development.
The Jack’s Landing development is a collaboration between Hamilton-based construction companies Golden Homes, Holah Homes and Anthem Homes, and will offer 110 house and land packages bordering Innes Common in central Hamilton.
Houses in the first stage of the development are planned for completion by August 2021.
As part of the development, at least 10 percent of the homes will be no more than 90% of Hamilton’s average house price, as part of Jack’s Landing’s approval under the Special Housing Area legislation.
The land the development is located on is well-known as the site previously occupied by Jack House Transit Ltd, and the Jack’s Landing name is a tribute to the Jack family and mana.
The blessing and sod turning took place on the development site at 9am, with a karakia performed by THaWK (managed by Rawiri Bidois).
This was followed by Des Jack, a Director in the Jack House Transit business and third generation of the family, digging up the first sod. Afterwards, he noted it was fantastic to look out at the 4ha site and what will be over 100 houses within a couple of years’ time.
Leonard Gardner, CEO of Fosters Construction, part owner of Anthem Homes and partner in the Jack’s Landing development group, says that it’s exciting to get the development underway, given how vibrant the Hamilton housing market is right now.
“We’re pleased to have THaWK here today to bless the site, which will offer homes to help satisfy the high housing demand Hamilton is currently experiencing, and give the site a new purpose for years to come.
“We’ve also worked closely with the Jack House Transit Ltd team since the development’s conception, so it’s great to have Des and Aaron Jack here today to honour the site’s history.”
After the formalities, those present enjoyed some kai to break the tapu of those in attendance.
Now that the sod has been turned, earthworks are preparing to start within the next few days to establish roading and essential infrastructure for the development.
From there, construction for the first stage of homes will begin in the new year. Registrations of interest for sites are being received through the Jack’s Landing website.
