Green light for Ryman’s Devonport village

MEDIA RELEASE May 12, 2017

Green light for Ryman’s Devonport village
Successful mediation secures future for new village

Ryman Healthcare’s new Devonport village is set to proceed following a successful outcome to mediation talks with objectors.

Planning commissioners appointed by Auckland Council had granted resource consent to build the new village on Ngataringa Rd following a week-long hearing in December last year. The Devonport Peninsula Precincts Society had lodged an appeal in the Environment Court.

Ryman Healthcare and the Devonport Peninsula Precincts Society, the New Zealand Institute of Architects and Urban Auckland have been in mediation for several weeks over the retirement village plans.

All parties attended mediation to discuss concerns and find common ground. The mediation was productive, differences were resolved amicably and an agreement has been signed off by all parties.

The resolution now requires final approval from the Environment Court.

Ryman Group Development Manager Andrew Mitchell led the Ryman team and thanked all the parties for their goodwill and positive approach to finding common ground.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have come to an agreement with the Devonport Peninsula Precincts Society, Urban Auckland and the Institute of Architects.’’

“The talks have been constructive, and we have agreed a resolution we are all happy with. We are pleased to be a step closer to providing a comprehensive care retirement village in the Devonport community that is desperately needed.

“This is great news for the more than 300 people on our waiting list who have been waiting for news.’’

Iain Rea, spokesman for the Devonport Peninsula Precincts Society, said: “All parties committed to the mediation process and worked very hard for over a month. Not a moment has been wasted to find a position that could meet expectations.’’

The Devonport village will offer a full range of retirement living options with care tailored to each resident’s needs.

The village will include apartments for residents living independently as well as care beds and assisted living apartments for residents. Resthome, hospital and dementia-level care options will be provided.

The resort-style amenities in the village will include an indoor swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, hairdressing and beauty salons, movie theatre, library, a bar and billiards room.
Ryman first announced plans to build on the 4.2 ha site in May 2014.

About Ryman: Ryman Healthcare was founded in Christchurch in 1984 and owns and operates 31 retirement villages in New Zealand and Australia. Ryman villages are home to 10,000 residents, and the company employs 4,500 staff.

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