The Koroipita Model Town is poised for considerable expansion, with ambitions to boost its housing capacity to 415 houses and accommodate approximately 1,850 residents by 2029. Paul Forrest, the general manager of the Model Towns Charitable Trust, confirmed that the community currently comprises 331 occupied homes, housing around 1,525 individuals. To date, 361 houses have been built, with plans for 23 additional homes to be constructed this year.
The immediate focus remains on finalizing 58 houses in the K5 stage within the upcoming two years. Nevertheless, the trust is proactively considering its future options to meet the escalating demand for affordable housing. Forrest mentioned that the board is evaluating either the development of another stage, designated as K6, or possibly establishing an entirely new Model Town in a different location. “The demand for housing certainly justifies more consideration of this topic, and we are gathering information on this to present to our funding partners,” he stated.
The urgency of this initiative is evident, with the trust reporting 245 housing applications in 2025 alone, resulting in a total of 1,908 applications since 2013. Forrest emphasized that the vetting process for these applications is thorough to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need, targeting the most vulnerable families, particularly those with young children, and encouraging participation in a family advancement plan.
Koroipita emphasizes a structured community model centered on education and personal development. Residents are encouraged to ensure their children attend school, with support provided through various facilities focused on learning, counseling, sports, and environmental activities. Forrest remarked, “Koroipita is not just social housing; it is a university for life skills where dreams can come true. We are always pleased to see people prospering under these programs we and our partner organizations provide.”
The positive impact of these initiatives extends to the local economy, with a noted improvement in the quality of employment among residents. “It is great to see employer confidence growing in our residents,” Forrest noted, adding that those trained in Koroipita are excelling in the workforce and benefiting from strong work and social ethics. This signifies a hopeful future, both for the individuals involved and the broader community, as they strive together towards personal and economic success.
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