Construction on Nelson’s first multi-story special housing development in the inner city is progressing, with the majority of the apartments already sold.
The Betts Corner apartments were given the green light last June as one of Nelson City Council’s special housing areas.
The 17-apartment complex sits on the corner of Trafalgar Square and Nile St, which had once been used as a carpark.
Chairman of Scott Syndicate Development Company, Craig Dennis, says ground works are nearing completion and people can expect to see some “real change” on the site very soon.
The development will include underground car-parking, separate storage rooms and a large, green, communal, north-facing private lawn.
As part of the project, Craig says they have worked with the council to close the section of Trafalgar Square between Nile St and Selwyn Place for three months, until early May.
The road will then re-open as one lane only for a further three months, although there is still pedestrian access.
“Rather than having to be disruptive with large lifting equipment, this is more effective for everyone,” he says.
“We have made a real effort to work with neighbours and while many were not too happy with the closure, most have come around.”
Craig says the demand for the apartments has been overwhelming, with only two apartments left to sell.
Designed by Arthouse Architects, the one, two and three-bedroom apartments range in price from $760,000 to $1.8 million.
“Effectively, they are almost all gone. It is a relatively new idea for Nelson to be selling off a plan and people have put a lot of trust in the project,” Craig says. “We’re really excited – Nelson needs more intensified living in the CBD. It is such a fantastic environment.”
