More Info →'Star Flats' - State Apartment Buildings, Highbury

Description

These two 'star flats' were built between 1955-1965 as the National Party's attempt at medium density social housing. This was to reduce urban sprawl and appease the rural voting base. They were built all over the country. They were 3-4 storeys with up to 12 units with communal outdoor areas and laundries.

Residents of these types of apartments critiqued the lack of private laundries and privacy in general, and lack of elevators between floors. This made it hard to raise a family.

These two star flats were tidied up recently. It's unknown if they are owned privately or by the state. Located on the corner of Botanical Road and Brentwood Avenue, they are the only star flats in Palmerston North that I know of.

Identification

Object type

Image

Date

July 10, 2020

Format

Born Digital