Business South November 2025

40 | DEVELOPMENT Jim Reed Builders: Lochlea Lifestyle Resort T T Kelly Deeks Integral to Ashburton community The project, which totals 150 villas across two sites, represents one of the most significant lifestyle-living developments in Ashburton. “We’ve had some great times where we were building up to 22 villas in a single year, and it became a very finely tuned machine. Our subcontractors understood exactly how we liked things done…” With the recent completion of the Lochlea Lifestyle Resort in Ashburton, Jim Reed Builders has cemented its long-standing reputation as one of Mid Canterbury’s most trusted construction companies, delivering not only quality buildings but also vibrant communities that enhance the lives of local residents. Project manager Rob Hampton has been at the helm of the Lochlea development for the past 13 years, overseeing its evolution from the first large-scale facility on Charlesworth Drive to the more recently completed villas at Allens Road. The project, which totals 150 villas across two sites, represents one of the most significant lifestyle-living developments in Ashburton. “We wrapped up construction in March this year, so it feels a bit like coming back into the real world after being immersed in it for so long,” Rob says. “We’ve had some great times where we were building up to 22 villas in a single year, and it became a very finely tuned machine. Our subcontractors understood exactly how we liked things done, and by the end, everyone knew their role and the timelines. It was a team effort from day one.” The villas at Lochlea come in five different designs, mirrored and repeated to create efficiency, while still offering variety. With landscaped gardens, double glazing, wheelchair access, and energy-efficient design features, they provide safe, comfortable, and stylish homes for people aged 60 and above. But Lochlea is much more than just a retirement development. “It’s a lifestyle resort, not a retirement village,” Rob says. “Residents come here from all over New Zealand, often moving to be closer to family. There’s still a big waiting list for the villas, which shows just how strong the demand is.” Lochlea offers residents an array of facilities, from a heated swimming pool, gym, and bowling green at the main lodge, to hobby rooms, a library, and even an on-site hospital providing rest home and dementia care. The smaller Allens Rd site offers its own leisure centre, linked to the main resort by proximity and community spirit. Jim Reed Builders continues to support the resort, even after construction, carrying out villa maintenance and preparing homes for new residents as they become available. “We’ve still got a hand in making sure everything stays up to spec,” Rob says. The Lochlea project highlights Jim Reed Builders’ significant contribution to Ashburton’s growth and resilience. The company has been part of the district for more than 30 years, building everything from farmhouses to high-end architectural homes, and always backing the local community. “Ashburton has changed a lot over the past 20 years,” Rob says. “It’s still quite a cruisy community, only now it’s much more competitive, with a lot of young builders branching out on their own,” he says. “There’s plenty of work though, with both residential and commercial demand still strong and new lifestyle resort developments already underway.” As Ashburton attracts more people from around the country for work and lifestyle, companies like Jim Reed Builders play a pivotal role in shaping the district’s future. By combining high-quality construction with community-focused projects, they are helping Mid Canterbury grow in a way that feels connected, supported, and sustainable. Keep Your Home Dry. Seemless Gutters, Lasting Protection. 232 Boundary Rd, Willowby, Ashburton, New Zealand 7700 021 808 739 alpscontinuousspouting.com • Free & Competitive Quotes • Gib Stopping • New Builds • Renovations Proudly Supporting Jim Reed Builders Contact Aaron keigbros@gmail.com 021 1478 440 Locally owned family business for over 70 years J.A. & G.D. Trudgeon Ltd 03 308 8432 or 0274 33 22 59 greg@trudgeonpainting.co.nz Proud to be associated with Jim Reed Builders

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