The Dunedin City Council is replacing community housing units in Fitzroy St, South Dunedin. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONSavings of more than $400,000 on a Dunedin community housing project suggest rolling back expansion of the city council’s portfolio was the wrong call, an advocate says. The Dunedin City Council decided last year to carry on with redevelopment at a site in Fitzroy St, South Dunedin, but to pause other plans amid rising building costs. However, expenditure on the Fitzroy St project to replace four units is now forecast to be $406,000 underspent, reflecting savings arising during procurement. A report for the council in January last year said escalating building costs meant the community housing development programme needed to be reconsidered.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 19, 2026 22:48 UTC