26 Jun 2014

Ryman buys site for large development

1:11 pm on 26 June 2014

Ryman Healthcare has bought a site to build a new retirement village.

Franklin Local Board chairman Andy Baker, Ryman Healthcare managing director Simon Challies and Ryman regional construction manager David Gibson at the Valley Rd site.

Franklin Local Board chairman Andy Baker, Ryman Healthcare managing director Simon Challies and Ryman regional construction manager David Gibson at the Valley Rd site. Photo: SUPPLIED

The country's largest retirement village operator has bought the land in Pukekohe, south of Auckland where it plans to build a $100 million facility.

It has acquired a 6.58 hectare piece of land and intends to build two and three bedroom independent townhouses, apartments and an aged-care centre on it.

Ryman Healthcare managing director Simon Challies said demand is strong for such a village in the area with the number of retirees doubling over the past seven years in the Franklin region.

He said it's an area where older people are keen to stay but there aren't many options for them in the local community.

Simon Challies said the company will submit plans for resource consent shortly. He said it's hoped building can start at the end of the year and the complex will open in 2015.

Ryman Healthcare is on track to build 700 retirement units this year, and is currently building other villages in Howick in Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne.