Housing Improvements and Development
Abbeyfield house for Golden Bay
- (From left to right) Steve Fitzgerald, principle of the major contractor, Bev Jensen, Chair Abbeyfield Golden Bay and Chris Armstrong, General Secretary of Abbeyfield New Zealand, conducting a celebratory hand shake after signing the construction contract.
The long-awaited, $1.4 million Abbeyfield House in Takaka is finally underway.
When complete, the house will provide individual self contained suites for 10 older people within the setting of a large family-style home.
Bev Jenson, Abbeyfield Golden Bay chairperson, said the development is the culmination of over 10 years work by the local Golden Bay committee.
“Substantial contributions of time, money and expertise from organisations and locals have played a big part in getting this project off the ground.”
“Now building is underway we hope to have the house occupied by Christmas. We are keen to hear from the local people who have been waiting for some time to become an Abbeyfield resident,” she said.
Chris Armstrong, Abbeyfield New Zealand General Secretary made special mention of the significant contributions of Fonterra, which generously donated the land worth $250,000; Tasman District Council which provided a $50,000 interest free loan; and Housing New Zealand which facilitated a substantial grant of $212,000 as well as a $707,600 interest free loan through the Housing Innovation Fund.
The project qualified for Innovation Fund support by supplying older people with much needed affordable, supported accommodation in the Bay.
For further information contact:
- Chris Armstrong, General Secretary of Abbeyfield New Zealand (03) 546 6459
- Bev Jensen, Chairperson Abbeyfield Golden Bay phone 025 341580 or (03) 525 8062 (a/h)
