Dame Malvina performs at opening of retirement village
RYMAN Healthcare’s new $100 million Charles Fleming Retirement Village has been officially opened in Waikanae.
Chief executive Simon Challies said they were working on the 10th stage of development with 170 people already living there or about to move in.
He said there had been strong interest from across the Kapiti Coast and Wellington, particularly for care in the hospital and dementia facility.
The hospital already has more than 30 patients. ‘‘You are never sure what the demand will be but we had a clear signal from the start there was a strong need, particularly for care, and a lack of facilities with dementia care.
‘‘By the time we opened it was clear there had been a lack of capacity for rest-home and hospital care. I think it came at the right time.’’
More than 80 independent units had been sold and 84 townhouses had been built or were under construction.
The three-storey main block, housing serviced apartments, a village centre and the first stage of the rest home and dementia care facility, was complete.
Village amenities including a hairdresser, shop and library are up and running and by next month a bowling green, swimming pool, spa and gym would be completed.
Serviced apartment extensions were yet to be built, along with independent units according to demand. With a capacity for 400 residents in 132 townhouses, 60 apartments and resthome care, he said, ‘‘we are off to a good start’’.
Meanwhile, Ryman
is
still waiting for Hutt City Council resource consent to build another large village on the former Petone College site overlooking Hutt River. It signed a 150-year lease with the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust and hoped to start building this year, with accommodation ready by the end of next year.
Otaki MP Nathan Guy officially opened the village last night and Dame Malvina Major performed for residents, their families and invited guests.