Retirement village under way

‘‘There’s definitely a need for it in town.’’ Grey Power president Lew Findlay

A $50 million retirement village development has broken ground in Palmerston North and the longawaited facility is expected to ease the growing pressure on the city’s aged-care providers.

Construction began two weeks ago, but the project has been in the works since retirement village giant Bupa New Zealand bought a large plot of land on Napier Rd in late 2013.

Grey Power Manawatu president Lew Findlay said baby boomers were starting to put a squeeze on Palmerston North’s aged-care facilities, so the new retirement village was certainly welcome.

‘‘There’s definitely a need for it in town and Bupa is one of the best in the industry.

‘‘They have a very good reputation.’’

Statistics New Zealand figures show 13.8 per cent of the population was over 65 last year and that was expected to rise to 18.5 per cent by 2028.

Findlay said there were long waiting lists for all of Palmerston North’s rest homes and retirement villages.

The Napier Rd village, next door to Macpherson Garden Centre, would help ease some of the pressure. It would free up some bigger houses for younger people and families once residents started moving into the village, he said.

Bupa spokeswoman Lisa Chambers said the village was expected to be finished within two years.

When finished, there would be a 70-bed care home for residents who need extra support.

More self-sufficient retirees would have 18 apartments and 72 villas available.

Whanganui firm W&W Construction was building the first 18 villas, but the care home and apartments were still out for tender.

Palmerston North City Council planner David Murphy said the retirement village was one factor that prompted the NZ Transport Agency to consider reducing the 100kmh speed limit on Napier Rd.