Metlifecare has received approval to build a retirement village in Wānaka. The Queenstown Lakes District Council has granted resource consent for the project, which will cost approximately $200m.
Within the Three Parks development at Lake Wānaka, the 5.42-hectare site will be transformed into a premium retirement village with around 95 independent living villas and 30 premium care suites, catering for roughly 150 residents.
Metlifecare Senior Development Manager Michelle van Kampen is leading the project and was excited to receive the green light to develop this site. It is a significant step towards intended construction at one of New Zealand’s most desirable locations.
“Wānaka is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and access to some of Aotearoa’s best outdoor and alpine activities, which our future residents will have at their front doorstep.”
Earthworks for the first stage, including construction of 30 two-and-three-bedroom villas, will begin later this year. The first residents are expected to move in by 2026.
“We’re eager to start progressing with the detailed design phase. Our vision is to create a unique village that perfectly balances tranquillity, community, and outdoor splendour.”
The second stage will follow shortly after and will feature the construction of the main amenities building and care home, which is set to open in 2027.
The village will include all the usual facilities that Metlifecare residents enjoy, including café and dining areas, indoor/outdoor areas for socialising, a library, and a health and wellness spa with a heated indoor swimming pool, spa, and gym facilities.
“We’ll be engaging high-end architectural and landscape designers to create beautiful buildings and outdoor areas that will honour their natural surroundings and maximise the site’s expansive views across Mount Iron to the northeast and Cardrona Valley to the mountains to the west.”
Metlifecare’s acquisition of this site in April 2022 marked its entry into the South Island as part of its five-year growth strategy.
The company has purchased two premium retirement villages in Christchurch and recently acquired Springlands Lifestyle Village in Blenheim.
