Housing in Tauranga: Council sells Smiths Farm to address housing shortage

Tauranga City Council has reached agreement to build at least 307 new homes on the site known as Smiths Farm.

Tauranga Mayor Mae Drysdale said the project was designed to provide a range of housing solutions, including affordable homes, in the heart of the city.

“Situated between Bethlehem and Taurico, Smiths Farm has long been recognized as a strategic housing development opportunity. The project will help increase Tauranga’s housing supply to meet the urgent need for more affordable, medium-density homes.

“This project is expected to help alleviate the housing crisis in the city by offering a variety of housing options to suit different needs and price points. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to increasing housing supply with an agreed minimum density of 307 new homes planned for the site.”

The council said it had selected Venture Developments as the preferred developer for Smiths Farm after a thorough assessment.