106 | LIFESTYLE Arvida Group Ltd: Rhodes on Cashmere Karen Phelps Enhancing the facilities of unique site The latest development at Rhodes on Cashmere has created in 35 care suites over three storeys and a further two living well apartments. Sales at Rhodes on Cashmere are gaining momentum as people recognise the unique offering, says Arvida Group development manager, Peter Hornby. “The first thing everyone notices about Rhodes on Cashmere is the panorama, including views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and the Pacific Ocean. “Wonderful views can be enjoyed from the on-site Rhodes Café, outdoor areas and many of the apartments. It’s very difficult to build something like this on the hills and there is nothing else like it,” he says. When Arvida acquired the site in 2015 there were 20 independent living apartments on it. It has since undertaken three stages of development. Stage one delivered a further 18 Living Well Apartments in a four-storey building with a basement car park. Designed by Jasmax, Fletchers was the contractor. Stage two delivered eight more independent living apartments over a two level building. Stage three, completed earlier this year, resulted in 35 care suites over three storeys and a further two living well apartments. Both stages two and three were architecturally designed by IKON and built by Armitage Williams. The new care centre is built on the site of the Rhodes Memorial Convalescent Home, a historic building that had to be demolished following the Christchurch earthquakes. The development of the care centre continues the tradition of care on the Rhodes site. The purpose-built care centre includes shared dining and living as well as beautiful sheltered outdoor spaces. Peter explains the care suite options offered within the centre are suitable for people who need rest home or hospital-level care. The centre uses Arvida’s ‘household’ approach, which means residents live with a smaller group of people, sharing meals and activities together. “Arvida has a clear intention of promoting a homely environment for residents. Each wing creates a household consisting of varying suit types/sizes, sharing an individualised household lounge and kitchen area dedicated to that household. The suites are larger than normal (around 35sqm) and some also come with their own kitchen and small lounge making them akin to a mini apartment, explains Peter. “It’s almost like a flatmate situation but each with their own autonomy and privacy. It’s about duplicating what it would be like living at home. “For example staff don’t wear uniforms and there are no nurses’ stations. Residents can have their meals in their own room or the lounge or wherever they choose. There is no set time when they have to get up in the morning. Basically they can do what they want. Family can also come in and utilise the kitchen facilities and relax. Residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture so it feels like their home. It’s all the benefits of living by yourself but with the benefits of company when you want it.” He says it’s part of Arvida’s philosophy of creating ‘living well communities’, rather than retirement villages because facilities are designed to encourage and support interaction with the neighbourhoods and people around them as well as supporting residents to keep doing what they love for longer. Around the Cashmere neighbourhood, there are clubs for bowls, tennis and croquet. Supermarkets and malls are nearby, and the exciting restaurants and retail precincts of central Christchurch are just 12 minutes away. When younger members of the family come to stay, there’s a choice of local playgrounds. A programme of guest speakers, community events and outings supports the social life of residents at Rhodes on Cashmere. For residents’ hobbies and wellbeing, there are shared vegetable gardens, a gym, fitness classes, library, workshop and hair salon. Purau Reserve has some lovely walking tracks nearby. We are proud to assist Arvida Group Ltd 26 Hill View Road Phillipstown Christchurch PH: 03 365 4229 E: christchurch@hcf.co.nz www.hcf.co.nz
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