118 | LIFESTYLE Summerset Group Holdings: St John Wardrobes Plus Custom design Wardrobes and doors specialist Aged care projects / Apartments / Residential 09 262 0400 sales@wardrobesplus.co.nz wardrobesplus.co.nz T T Karen Phelps A new level of retirement living The St Johns village has been designed as a large-scale, apartment-focused community, offering a mix of living options. Summerset’s first two ‘metro’ retirement villages in Auckland are taking shape, marking a significant evolution in the company’s approach to higher-density, premium living for older New Zealanders. At St Johns, construction is nearing completion on the final apartment building, comprising 12 homes within the original village footprint, bringing to a close the initial development on the 2.6-hectare site. “Demand has been strong for the prestigious new offering in a highly desirable location,” says Summerset Auckland construction manager, Stuart West. The St Johns village has been designed as a large-scale, apartment-focused community, offering a mix of living options ranging from one-bedroom units through to high-end penthouses, of which three penthouses sold for around $6 million, underlining the appetite for premium retirement living in Auckland. The development includes seven buildings, anchored by a central hub featuring two levels of basement car parking, topped by shared amenities, such as a gym, spa, swimming pool, café, bar and hair salon. Above this sit multiple levels of apartments, including premium residences with expansive views towards Rangitoto, the city and surrounding bush. Additional apartment buildings across the site range from three to eight levels, contributing to a total of 224 apartments alongside landscaped gardens, a bowling green, outdoor kitchen areas and a pond. In total, the St Johns development will be home to around 400 residents, once fully occupied. Despite nearing completion, the project continues to expand, with Summerset acquiring land on either side of the site. Construction of 11 townhouses is expected to begin early next year. “It reflects the ongoing demand we’re seeing and the flexibility of the metro village concept,” says Stuart. Meanwhile, across the city at Half Moon Bay, Summerset’s second Auckland metro village is progressing through development, offering an equally comprehensive model. Located on a 2.8-hectare site near the marina, it represents the company’s first move into East Auckland and offering a compact footprint and niche experience. The first stage of the Half Moon Bay development will feature a double-level basement for parking and plant infrastructure, with resort-style village facilities, currently under construction, above. These will include shared spaces, such as a residents’ bar, café, indoor swimming pool, exercise room, library, hair salon and lounge areas, designed to encourage social connection and wellbeing. Above this podium, five levels of apartments will provide a range of independent living options, including one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts with open-plan living, contemporary kitchens and private balconies or patios. Four penthouses will crown the development, offering elevated views and premium finishes. Adjoining these buildings will be a multi-use structure integrating serviced apartments, independent living and a care centre across six levels. Serviced apartments will offer one- and two-bedroom options, with kitchenettes, separate living areas and 24-hour support close at hand, while care suites will be designed to feel like home, allowing residents to personalise their space. The village will include communal vegetable gardens, outdoor gathering spaces, organised activities and transport options, such as a courtesy van, creating a strong sense of community. A key component of both metro villages is an integrated care offering via care centre buildings, including memory care, care suites and serviced apartments. “It’s a comprehensive approach to healthcare, which provides peace of mind to residents and their families,” says Stuart. “Evolving needs can be met within the familiar surroundings of the village. Residents will have access to a full continuum of care, from independent living through to more specialised support as required. These two projects are excellent examples of where we’ve worked to meet the demands of a different segment of our customers. We’ve tailored our build and design to locations where land is limited, but created luxury, high-rise villages with incredible amenity and fit-out.” People can head to the sales office in the Summerset St Johns Village, or to the Half Moon Bay Village sales suite and show apartment opening soon in Howick Village Centre to help prospective residents explore the offering ahead of the Half Moon Bay Village opening in the second quarter of 2027.
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