Elderly housing underway to enable independent living

The construction of 28 homes, consisting of one-bedroom units, in Kaitāia began in June and will enable independent living for up to 56 community members.

Twelve of the homes have been designed with manoeuvrability in mind – six are fully accessible for wheelchair use and six more will include accessibility elements such as fully accessible bathrooms and toilets, full level entry to units, as well as larger door widths, bedrooms and living areas. The project is expected to take 16 months to complete.

The community housing project is a partnership between the council’s commercial arm, Far North Holdings (FNHL), and Claud Switzer Memorial Trust (CSMT) or ‘Switzer’ as it’s commonly known, to build much-needed homes for Te Hiku residents aged over 50. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is also a major partner and funder of the project.

The addition of a Western Village at Claud Switzer Residential facility on South Road will provide homes that support independent living, while encouraging health, well-being, and community among tenants. Landscape design consisting of extensive fruit trees and vegetable gardens, a covered gathering area, recycling and parking facilities are also part of the build.

Construction is expected to be completed in October next year.

Sixteen of the units will be owned by FNHL, which is project managing the build. CSMT will own 12 of the units, while also managing the properties as a Community Housing Provider.

The Claud Switzer Memorial Trust was established in 1955 as outlined in the will of the late Claud Ivon Switzer of Mangōnui. The original 14-bed care home on South Road has grown to become a 93-bed residential care facility, including a hospital and memory loss unit, a community programme service for healthy elderly (and those living with dementia), plus short-term respite care, carer-support, convalescence, and rehabilitation.

Far North Holdings Limited is the commercial and asset management arm of Far North District Council. It manages property, maritime and transport assets on behalf of Far North ratepayers and is focused on boosting investment and employment for the benefit of Northland communities.

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Main image - the one-bedroom units will enable independent living.

Below - the construction of 28 homes began in June.

Below - aerial view of the Claud Switzer Residential facility with construction underway.

Below - the project will provide homes for up to 56 community members.

Below - an artist's impression of the completed housing.