A large-scale social housing development meeting critical demand through strong partnerships and thoughtful design.
Our vision
Milton is a community-focused housing development delivering 27 high-quality homes and a dedicated community space in Nelson, designed to respond directly to local housing need. Transforming a former motel site into a vibrant residential neighbourhood, the project supports lower-income households, families, and older residents through warm, efficient, and well-managed homes.
Through strong partnerships and thoughtful design, Milton contributes to long-term wellbeing, local economic activity, and a renewed sense of place for the surrounding community.
Project details
Est. gross development value
$13 million
Size
3,534m²
Delivery Stage
In progress, estimated completion May 2027
Homes
27 (13 one-bedroom apartments, 14 two-bedroom townhouses)
Certification
Targeting Homestar 6 (v5)
Project partners
Funded by
Home Capital Partners
Enabled by
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport
Architecture
JTB Architects
Landscape
Kūmānu Environmental
Engineering
ENGCO (geotech/civil/structural), Powell Fenwick (sitewide electrical)
Quantity Surveyor
Barnes Beagley Doherr
Construction Partner
Home Construction
Project Management (Construction Phase)
Aesculus Project Management
Planner/Surveyor
Planscapes
Acoustics Engineer
Bladon Bronka Acoustics
Fire Engineer
Fire Safety Solutions
Contamination
Envirolink
Homestar
WEL Architecture
Traffic
Novo Group
Cultural Advisor
Tātou Projects
Property Management
Te Wawata Kāinga
Tenancy Management
The Salvation Army
Housing mix
100% Social housing
delivered in partnership with The Salvation Army as the Community Housing Provider.
Design features
Site Design
designed with north and west solar gain
homes arranged around a central green
raised site level for adaptation to flood risk
Typology & Tenure
mix of terraced homes and apartments
House Performance & Features
targeting Homestar 6 (v5)
balanced heat recovery mechanical ventilation in every home
uPVC tilt and turn joinery
high-performance thermal envelope
durable, low-maintenance cladding
Accessibility
6 universal design units
Communal Amenity
on-site community room, with kitchen and office
central green with communal BBQ and playground
cycle parking for every home
native planting
EV charging infrastructure, future-proofed
mana whenua providing cultural design
Construction Innovation
structural insulated panel (SIP) roof
Community & place
Community Building & Integration
on-site community amenities including a community room, communal BBQ area, playspace, and central green, supporting connection and shared use
creation of a stable, well-managed residential community that contributes positively to the surrounding neighbourhood
Partnerships & Social Infrastructure
new partnerships with Nelson-based organisations, iwi, community groups, and support providers
collaboration with local councils and agencies to help respond to identified housing need in the area
Impact & outcomes
Housing Access and Wellbeing
delivery of warm, healthy, high-quality homes that increase housing choice in Nelson for lower-income households, families, and older residents
support for better health and wellbeing outcomes through high-performing homes with improved insulation, ventilation, and lower running costs
Local Regeneration and Placemaking
redevelopment of the former Milton Chalet Motel site into an attractive, fit-for-purpose residential development
lifts the quality and perception of the area through improved urban design and land use
Economic Contribution
creation of local employment opportunities during design and construction
additional long-term economic activity generated through new households living locally and spending in nearby shops and services
