The Brian Perry Charitable Trust’s bridge housing: Pioneering affordable living in Waikato

In the heart of the Waikato region, a transformative force is addressing some of the country’s most pressing issues. Perry Group is a dynamic enterprise committed to enhancing community well-being through innovative initiatives led by its philanthropic arm, the Brian Perry Charitable Trust (BPCT). Among their many projects, Bridge Housing stands out for its impact and vision, reshaping the landscape of affordable living.

The Genesis of Bridge Housing

The story of Bridge Housing began with a clear and urgent mission: to build resilient communities by providing quality, affordable housing. As housing prices soared and the dream of homeownership drifted out of reach for many, BPCT recognized the need for an innovative solution driven by a vision to make homeownership accessible to all.

The flagship project of Bridge Housing is its development in Cambridge. The completion of Stage One in 2023, marked a significant milestone in BPCT’s mission to provide affordable housing. The project introduced an innovative leasehold program, a creative solution designed to reduce the financial barriers to homeownership.

Under this initiative residents can purchase a home for a fraction of the cost of home buying. The land is leased at an affordable rate, ensuring that monthly payments remain manageable while offering long-term stability and security for families.

The Key to Success

The success of Bridge Housing in Cambridge was the result of extensive collaboration and strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Bridge Housing worked closely with the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, whose expertise and experience were invaluable in shaping the leasehold program.

Financial backing was another critical component of the project’s success. Partnerships with Westpac, the Waipa District Council, and the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office provided the necessary funding and support to bring the project to life. These collaborations underscored the importance of a multifaceted approach to solving complex issues like affordable housing. By pooling resources and expertise, BPCT and its partners were able to achieve what might have seemed impossible alone.

Expanding Horizons: Te Awamutu and Hamilton Projects

Buoyed by the success of the Cambridge development, Bridge Housing set its sights on new projects in Te Awamutu and Hamilton. Each project is tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of its community, but all share the same core principles of affordability, quality, and community engagement.

In Te Awamutu, Bridge Housing partnered with a local developer to extend its assisted homeownership program. This collaboration allows Bridge to act flexibly, either taking on the role of developer themselves or partnering with others to navigate the challenging economic environment.

Meanwhile, in Hamilton, the Hinemoa Apartments project is set to bring 42 new apartments to the city’s central business district – providing homes but also contributing to the revitalization of the urban area. The project has received strong support from the Hamilton City Council, and Bridge Housing is eager to bring community partners, like K’aute Pasifika, on board to foster a sense of belonging and support among residents.

The Role of Philanthropy and Community Support

A key factor in the success of Bridge Housing has been the generous support from philanthropic organisations. BPCT has already donated more than $4 million in land for the Peake Mews project alone and has pledged a further $6m for future projects.

The importance of local council support and government programs in enabling their projects cannot be underestimated. These partnerships provide not only financial assistance but also regulatory and logistical support, helping to smooth the path from concept to completion.

Te Awa Lakes Development

Te Awa Lakes represents a new way of thinking about living in the Waikato region. This master- planned community aims to offer a mix of high-quality residential housing, river transport links, food and beverage venues, and a recreational precinct. Environmental sustainability is at the core of this development, with a highly sustainable stormwater management system delivering clean water back into the river. The Perry Group’s goal is to deliver Waikato’s first master-planned community, creating a recreational precinct and a destination for the region.

The economic environment is constantly changing, and successful affordable housing initiatives must be able to adapt and find creative solutions to emerging challenges. By working closely with a diverse array of partners, from financial institutions to local councils to community organisations, Bridge Housing has been able to leverage a wide range of resources and expertise.

Sports Hall of Fame

The Perry Group’s vision extends beyond housing. The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Māori Sports Hall of Fame are being relaunched at the National Cycling Centre of Excellence. These halls are being reimagined to engage with all tāmariki and rangatāhi, offering a platform to inspire lifelong journeys of health and wellbeing through sport and recreation. This initiative is supported by the Home of Cycling Charitable Trust, which is expanding its velodrome facility to house the new Hall of Fame.