20 | New fit for purpose facility The two storey facility includes full commercial kitchen facilities, facilitation rooms, lounges, a gymnasium and bedroom wings. Salvation Army & Legacy Construction: Epsom Lodges T T Russell Fredric REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The major redevelopment of one of the Salvation Army’s transitional accommodation housing facilities, Epsom Lodge, is ushering in a new era for clients and staff. The lodge provides a program of transitional housing with wrap around supports and also offers rehabilitation options for men and women, supporting them in their transition to living independently in the community. Located in Central Auckland and the Salvation Army’s largest supportive accommodation facility, Epsom Lodge has a capacity of 84 beds – 70 for men and 14 for women, with the redevelopment covering three wings. With a history extending way back to 1896 as a prison gate ministry, the facility grew over time in its scope and vision to provide support and rehabilitation options, but despite renovations and additions in previous decades it had become extremely dated and unfit for purpose, National Operations Manager Supportive Housing, Bruce Christensen says. “There’s three wings of the building that are being redeveloped; the first one was built in the 1950’s, the second in the late 1960’s and the final one, stage four, that’s under construction now, was built in the 1990’s.” The two storey facility includes full commercial kitchen facilities, facilitation rooms, lounges, a gymnasium and bedroom wings. The $20 million-plus redevelopment has been in progress for about two years and is being undertaken by Auckland firm Legacy Construction who were appointed through a tender process, with Ron Seeto architects and TSA Reilly as project manager. “We’ve had to take a staged approach because we had to continue to operate on-site,” Bruce says. “Being able to maintain operations was critical, so having a really good client-contractor relationship was really important and Legacy Construction have been great at that.” Because the wings were built in different decades, upgrading the seismic elements has been a key part of the development, as was creating a modern, serviceable facility with a high capacity for wear and tear that offers both privacy and communal areas for clients in a light and airy environment. For aspects of the interior, exterior and landscaping design, The Salvation Army consulted with hapu Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Stages one to three are completed and fully functional, with the stage four demolition completed and construction underway and completion planned for mid next year. “It will be a game-changer for residents and staff, the old building was a bit like operating in a rabbit warren, the old buildings were long past being fit for purpose, whereas the redeveloped facility will be warm and dry and reflect that our clientele feel welcome and valued.” Epsom Lodge is supported by about 30 to 40 staff and provides a variety of medical, clinical and wrap-around social work services, with clients staying for an average of about 100 days. The Salvation Army Is one of the country’s leading transitional housing providers working in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Social Development. www.legacyjoinery.co.nz LEGACY JOINERY Residential and Commercial Kitchens & Cabinetry 09 953 1465 | info@legacyjoinery.co.nz 34A Leonard Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060 PO Box 24564, Royal Oak, Auckland 1345 Maintenance Works your go-to for building maintenance, renovations, and new builds GEDA Hoists for Hire Maintenance Plumbing & Drainage Painting Carpentry & Repairs Master 0800 MWorks 0800 696 757 | info@mainworks.co.nz | www.mainworks.co.nz
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