North Shore retirement village sets new standard

16 September 2016

North Shore retirement village sets new standard in sustainability

Greenwich Gardens, a North Shore retirement village which has taken energy efficiency and sustainability to a new level, was today officially opened by the Prime Minster the Rt Hon John Key.

Metlifecare Chief Executive Glen Sowry said Greenwich Gardens is one of only two retirement villages in New Zealand[1] with 6 Homestar Built certification. “Our Stage 1 & 2 villas have achieved this rating and we are now waiting for certification for our recently opened apartments.”

Homestar is an independent system that assesses New Zealand homes for energy, health and comfort, water, waste and other sustainability criteria. A 6 Homestar rating or higher provides assurance that a home will be warmer, healthier and cheaper to run than a typical new home.

“Metlifecare has invested in sustainability because it makes sense” said Mr Sowry. “Features such as solar water heating, low energy LED lighting and a superior level of insulation make our homes very comfortable yet significantly cheaper to run on a fixed income. Our residents are greatly appreciating this as well as enjoying the associated health benefits.”

In addition to its greater level of sustainability, Mr Sowry said Greenwich Gardens was one of Metlifecare’s next-generation villages - designed to integrate the advantages of village living with the benefits of staying connected to the local community.

“Our residents greatly enjoy the social interaction and the wide range of facilities and activities provided in our villages, but they also want to remain connected with their community. At Greenwich Gardens we have endeavoured to create a real neighbourhood hub, in which families, friends and local residents are welcome to visit, use the facilities and participate in our activities. Our experience has shown us these wider connections provide real and positive benefits to our residents’ sense of independence and overall wellbeing.”

The first two stages of villas in the village are now complete and fully occupied, with villas and the new stage of apartments providing a range of independent living options for residents. Serviced apartments will be completed over the coming year, as will a care home which will provide hospital-level care for up to 48 people. A significant number of apartments are planned to be completed over the next few years, making Greenwich Gardens one of the largest villages in the country, and providing the full spectrum of independent living and care options.

Mr Sowry said the village was perfectly positioned to service the local area, enabling local residents to remain in their community as their living requirements change. “This area is continuing to grow and age. The population of the Upper Harbour area is projected to grow by around 29%[2] in the next ten years but, within that, the over-65 age group is projected to grow by 73%. And, as local residents move into our 430 new dwellings, they will be freeing up their homes to help accommodate Auckland’s growth.”

ENDS

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