Tuapeka/Lawrence community gives green light to new independent living units

At a public meeting this evening, Tuapeka/Lawrence community members voted yes to the construction of up to six new independent living units in Lawrence adjacent to the Lawrence Rural Health Centre (rest home) and Medical Centre.

The independent living units will be available for prospective residents to purchase through an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA). The model developed, which has been independently assessed by the University of Otago Business School, is expected to be offered at a purchase cost for the modern two-bedroom, 81m² homes of $280,000, with an associated administration fee 5% and a first-year fee of 8%. This makes the units competitively priced amongst other retirement village options in surrounding areas.

Concept designs were presented that have been architecturally designed to be warm, modern and comfortable, with amenities for older persons that include special lighting design and wider doorways etc.

Tuapeka Community Health Incorporated Chair, Mark Hay, said the Board had been working on the concept since March 2016 when Tuapeka/Lawrence community members said they would like the Board to explore the concept.

“Many of us want an option to free ourselves of the ‘family home’ - its size and responsibilities – at some point. Our only option right now is to move away from the district, friends and family,” he said.

“We’ve looked across the region and researched what’s feasible and how to make these homes attractive and affordable – asking ourselves along the way, would we want to live there one day? The homes not only fulfil a need for those wanting security, peace of mind and to free themselves of maintenance, the income generated will help sustain our health company and the services it provides to the community in the future,” said Mr Hay.

The project cost is yet to be finalised as it is dependent on interest for the homes which may be built in stages. While Tuapeka Community Health Incorporated is able to support building costs so the project is self-sufficient, community fundraising will also be sought to help reduce costs.

Tuapeka Community Health Company Chair, Gaye Cowie, agreed this was an exciting initiative and one the community welcomed.

“Tuapeka/Lawrence is an extremely generous district and known for its ‘firsts’, so I have no doubt the community will get right in behind this like they do everything else and help make these homes something we can all be proud of,” said Mrs Cowie.

Anyone interested in one of the independent living units for themselves or a family member are encouraged to make contact with Mr Hay by 20 December 2018.

© Scoop Media

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