104 | COMMUNITY Tuapeka Health - Chapman Construction T T Kim Newth A special role in the Clutha District Tuapeka Health has been well-supported by the local community in raising the funds needed to build these homes. Two new purpose-built homes for local older residents in Lawrence, sited by the town’s community health centre in Harrington Place, will soon be joined by two more. Construction of the next two quality units is due to start in March 2024. Mark Hay, who chairs the Tuapeka Health Incorporated Society, says planning for the independent living complex began in 2016 in response to community feedback on the need for more age- appropriate housing in the local area. The community-owned trust has a special role in the Clutha District with the Lawrence Health Centre, a five-bed rest home and two-bed respite care service all falling under its community ownership model. With the support of the Clutha District Council, the trust has been developing land next to the community health centre for quality new homes designed for local older residents. “We want to support older people in our community who wish to stay in our community,” says Mark. “At the same time, this project gives us an opportunity to future proof the services we provide to our community. We are also very conscious of the ability of our older residents to pay and so have kept costs down as much as possible.” Tuapeka Health has been well-supported by the local community in raising the funds needed to build these homes. A local stock drive was highly successful, raising $30,000 from the Lawrence farming community. “We also have a winter cropping competition here too, run by Lions, that helps with fundraising, and we got a very generous grant from the Trusts Community Foundation and the Otago Community Trust. Thanks to those grants, we have been able to keep our prices realistic for the Lawrence area. The new two-bedroom units are attractive, warm, comfortable and very affordable compared to homes in many other places.” The first two homes were sold last year through an Occupation Right Agreement for $280,000 and $295,000, respectively. (Additional administration and first-year occupancy fees also apply but only need to be paid by the owner or their estate on leaving the property). Construction is poised to begin on the next two homes in March. The trust plans to advertise for expressions of interest once this next phase of work commences on site. A further two units are planned for the final phase in 2026. “We have a very good local builder – Sam Chapman, of Chapman Construction. From the outset, he’s the one we wanted for this project. Sam has been very easy to work with, particularly as he is locally based.” A high standard of build is evident in these attractive two-bedroom units, designed by Lance Dixon, of Christchurch-based Dixon Design Ltd. Each 81sqm unit includes an outdoor deck area, level entry access, tiled wet room bathrooms, underfloor heating and other features that are tastefully in step with the needs of older residents. “When we started planning this, we knew we wanted to design and build something that we ourselves would be happy to live in and that older residents would aspire to own too. We targeted quality as the most important priority. These new homes are quite high-spec and we have supplied quality whiteware. One of the features I personally like the most is a see-through atrium or hallway with big windows on either side that links kitchen/dining with bedrooms. “I have personally found this whole project hugely rewarding but also wish to acknowledge that it has been a real team effort - we have got some extremely talented people on our board.” Finishing touches on the first two completed units include landscaping along with security fencing and gates. 027 269 4495 fitzzee@xtra.co.nz Proudly supporting Tuapeka Health & Chapman Construction PLACEMAKERS DUNEDIN & MOSGIEL PLACEMAKERSDUNEDIN & MOSGIEL 50 BURNS ST & 34 CARNCROSS ST (03) 466 4617 PROUDLY SUPPORTING & CHAPMAN CONSTRUCTION Keeley McLaughlin 0274859015 havelockdecorating@gmail.com PROUDLY SUPPORTING TUAPEKA HEALTH & CHAPMAN CONSTRUCTION
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