Council’s largest investment in senior housing in decades is complete with tenants now in residence at a new Blenheim complex.
Council Project and Contracts Manager Maighan Watson said the new units represented Council’s most significant housing project in more than 30 years. “This new complex increases our senior housing stock with fit-for-purpose, centralised housing for seniors,” she said.
The facility at 85 George Street comprises 12 one-bedroom residential units, six on the ground and six on the first floor. It was built from permanent materials based off existing floor plans and designed to 5-Star Lifemark accessibility standards. The build is the first in Council’s senior housing portfolio to have two storeys, maximising the site located just a few blocks from the town centre.
Deputy Mayor and Housing for Seniors Sub-Committee Chair Councillor David Croad, speaking at a dawn blessing led by Rangitāne, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa on 3 October, said it was a special day.
“It’s a special moment for our seniors who will make their new homes here. This complex reflects our commitment to maintaining and modernising our housing stock for over 190 tenants and the wider Marlborough community. It’s an exceptional asset and one I hope will be enjoyed by its tenants long into the future,” he said.
Councillor Croad acknowledged Council’s current Housing for Seniors committee members as well as previous council and committee leadership, noting that the project had spanned multiple terms.
Council purchased the strategic site next door to its existing Senior Housing complex at Vevian Place a number of years ago. “The long-held vision was to develop the 800 square metre plot and in late 2020 after careful consideration and planning, Council agreed to progress this to fruition,” Councillor Croad said.
Construction started last year, based on designs by Palatchie Architecture + Design.
Councillor Croad thanked some of those who had played a key role including T & D Construction along with the trade sub-contractors.
“The list of consultants and sub-contractors who have worked on this project is extensive - I won’t name them, but they have played an integral part - well done to all of you,” he said.
