| 101 Kim Newth Marlborough District Council’s new senior housing development is the first to have a twostorey design. Boost for senior housing Following a site blessing ceremony in September, construction of the Marlborough District Council’s new senior housing development in Blenheim is getting underway. Local iwi - Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa – led the dawn ceremony to bless the site. Marlborough’s commercial construction specialist T and D Construction Ltd, won the tender to build the two-storey, 12-unit complex in George Street, with the project due to be completed by mid-2024. Council Projects and Contracts Manager Maighan Watson says the 12 new one-bedroom units will boost the council’s existing senior housing portfolio and help meet demand for fit for purpose, affordable housing for seniors in the district. This is the first such development in the council’s senior housing portfolio to have a two storey design to make best use of the site and convenient central location. With lift access and level entry throughout, all future residents – along with their friends and whānau – will find it easy to get in and out. “For the past several years, Council has had 40 to 50 applicants aged over 65 years on our wait-list for a unit,” observes Maighan. “Council wish to improve the supply that they can offer, as well as bring in new stock to complement our older units, many of which were built in the 1960s/’70s.” Being close to Blenheim town centre, the location of this new development is ideal. There are already some 30 senior housing units in George Street and neighbouring Vevian Place complexes, along with community gardens, car parking and a shared accessway. Within easy walking distance to the housing complex are supermarkets, bus stops, the local library, and many health services. Out of eight architectural companies that registered their interest to deliver a design, Blenheim’s own Palatchie Architecture and Design was selected. “Palatchie Architecture and Design visited some of Council’s existing units to understand the general layout, what works best for our tenants and where there is room for improvement. Marlborough District Council has three newer accessible units too, built in 2012. This latest development reflects everything that has been learned along the way and includes many accessibility features and a sustainable design. “The architectural design was peer-reviewed by Lifemark to achieve the final five-star standard design. Lifemark standards focus on seven key areas in and around a dwelling to ensure the spatial and structural design is fit-for-purpose, usable and safe for people of all ages and stages. Every little detail has been carefully considered, such as bench heights, the width of doors and hallways, energy efficiency and layout. Bathroom walls are reinforced to provide a fixing surface for grab rails to be safely installed and there is level access throughout.” There will be six one-bedroom units on the ground floor and six on the top floor, accommodated in a north and south block, with central lift, lobby and rubbish area for tenants. Natural timber features will add to the development’s street appeal and enhance the property’s warm and welcoming feel. Each one-bedroom unit will have its own separate bathroom, along with open plan living area and kitchen. Sliders on the ground floor will open into attractive courtyard areas. Maighan says it is likely additional master planned developments for Marlborough District Council’s senior housing will be considered in future, in line with past discussions. The Council has an ongoing annual refurbishment programme that is progressively updating existing units, for example with new paint, new carpets and new electrical fittings as well as renovating kitchens and bathrooms. Bennet Blenheim is your leading local provider of quality bricklaying services. Our experienced bricklayers can provide comprehensive masonry work for new homes, renovations and extensions throughout Blenheim and the surrounding areas. • COMPREHENSIVE MASONRY WORK • FULLY EQUIPPED • EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE 027 438 9015 thebennett@xtra.co.nz 171 NewRenwick Rd, Blenheim BLENHEIM’S RELIABLE & EXPERIENCED BRICKLAYER Representing Excellence Master Plumbers PLUMBING ROOFING DRAINLAYING GAS SUPPLIER & FITTER 11 Purkiss St, Blenheim 03 578 0060 info@morganplumbing.co.nz morganplumbing.co.nz For all your painting needs • Proudly supporting T&D Construction 027 241 0418 lhpaintingltd@gmail.com PH (03) 578 3475 | www.crafarcrouch.co.nz Civil Works - Earthmoving Drainage, Housing & Subdivisions CRAFAR CROUCH Proudly supporting Marlborough District Council COMMUNITY Marlborough District Council - T&D Construction
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