About 200 seniors from West Auckland will be moved from “terrible” units to spacious, accessible homes in a new mega mixed social housing complex under construction in Evening.
With 192 apartments, it will be the largest development Kāinga Ora has ever built specifically for older residents.
On paper it all sounds positive, but Avondale Senior Citizens Club President Wayne Coe said the new housing for seniors was a “sweet situation” as the complex will also include 44 additional homes that will be used as social housing.
He said there was some concern among members that mixing social housing with senior housing would create safety concerns.
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Chris McKeen / Stuff
Wayne Coe said living in a large senior apartment complex would likely take “some getting used to,” but many would be happy to have other seniors around to support each other.
“They will have to look at good security. Seniors already fear for their safety.”
He said a recent shooting in Ranui was already too close to home. And without street parking, he believed older residents’ cars could be stolen.
“When seniors hear about ram raids, they worry and many don’t want to go out alone.”
He challenged the government agency to think about how they would make older people feel safe in the environment being built for them.
home life construction manager Patrick Dougherty said building safer communities was a “key priority”.
He said the Avondale complex would have pass access to apartments, elevators and communal areas, and paths would be well lit. A rental manager would also be available at an on-site office.
“It’s worth noting that the vast majority of our customers are good neighbors and members of their communities.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Construction has commenced on the Avondale site adjacent to Tait Park, between the busy roads of Great North and Rosebank.
“In a small minority of cases, disruptive behavior can lead to stressful and unacceptable situations. However, when issues arise, we respond quickly and strive for positive outcomes for everyone,” said Dougherty.
Wayne Coe said he was happy that the “horrible” old senior housing in West Auckland would be demolished.
He said some were like prison cells with a combined sleeping and living area and a kitchenette. This type of accommodation is referred to as “bedsit” by Kāinga Ora and there are 181 of them in all of Auckland.
Patrick Dougherty said about 40,000 Kāinga Ora homes would have to be demolished or overhauled within the next 20 years.
“Many of our cafes are over 50 years old. While they have been great homes for families, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain them and keep them up to modern standards,” he said.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Work on the luxury Nordic Apartments by Ockham on the edge of the Highbury Triangle site is well advanced.
He said the apartments in Highbury Triangle will be more spacious than those on the private market, ranging from 55 sqm with one bedroom to 79 sqm with two bedrooms. All rooms have a balcony.
Instead of having to move when they developed mobility issues, for example, tenants could “age” in place in apartments that have been made accessibility-friendly”universal design standards“, he said.
Other new developments for seniors include 41 apartments on Wilson Rd in Glen Eden, 35 apartments on Greenslade Crescent in Northcote and 123 apartments on Osterley Way in Manukau.
The existing homes that seniors leave when they move to Avondale will free up five acres of land, which will be redeveloped.