The sleek multi-million-dollar first stage of Cambridge Resthaven’s extensive development project was opened last week.
Stage 1, started in April 2022, comprises 33 apartments made up of studio units and one and two-bedroom apartments. Of those, 25 are in the new Hanlin Building and eight in the adjacent courtyard wing of an existing building. One of the studio units has been funded by the Waipā District Council.
Representatives from some of Resthaven’s founding organisations, with Rosie the Resthaven therapy dog. They are, from left, Tony Hill (Cambridge RSA), John Bishop (Cambridge Rotary), Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan, David Espin (Cambridge Lions), Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, and Waipā district councillor Roger Gordon. Photo: Michael Jeans
Additional apartments are planned for Stages 2 and 3 of the development which will take place over the next few years.
Stage 1 has cost around $16 million. Estimates for the full multi-stage development were put initially at around $36 million, but that figure is expected to change as it will depend on building costs at the time each stage proceeds.
Stage 1 also includes a café and a soon-to-be opened village shop, for use not only by Resthaven residents but also by anyone in the community. There are also several ‘pool’ electric vehicles available for use by residents.
Speaking at last week’s opening, Taupo MP Louise Upston commended Resthaven for further adding to what she described as the ‘unique’ facility it had created in Cambridge. She said she hadn’t seen anything like it elsewhere and its ‘by the community for the community’ nature was an impressive point of difference in the provision of retirement facilities.
Cambridge Resthaven chief executive David Hall, left, and Taupo MP Louise Upston with Dominic Buckell, design director of the architects involved in the development, Chibnall Buckell Team Architects. Photo: Viv Posselt
Describing Cambridge as a magnet for retirees, she added: “At the moment 20 percent of our population is aged over 65. In nine years, that figure will be 25 percent. It is fantastic to see the forethought that has gone into providing for our own.”
Resthaven’s roots are embedded in the community. The Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board was established in 1966 involving six community groups who helped raise funds for a local rest home.
Cambridge Resthaven chief executive David Hall acknowledged representatives of those six organisations, naming them as the Fencourt Country Women’s Institute, Lions, Rotary, RSA, Federated Farmers, and the then Cambridge Borough Council.
“We have named the Hanlin Building in recognition of the Hanlin sisters whose generous contribution in the 1960s helped establish Resthaven.”
The new Hanlin Building at Cambridge Resthaven after its official opening last week. Photo: Michael Jeans
The first residents have been moving into their new homes over the past two months.
Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board chairman Greg Liddy described the project’s gestation period as longer than that of an elephant, explaining that the concept for further development was first floated in 2016.
“Apparently we are one of the longest projects on Livingstone’s books … but we do acknowledge that Covid got in the way,” he said. “We needed to ensure that we remain relevant for the future… that our facilities align with the population as it ages.”
Guests at the opening were welcomed by Cambridge Resthaven’s independent living manager Jeff Simpson, and a karakia by Harry Wilson, Ngāti Korokī Kahukura.
Taupo MP Louis Upston cutting the ribbon with Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board past chairman Kevin Monks, flanked by Cambridge Resthaven chief executive David Hall, left, and Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board chairman Greg Liddy. Photo: Viv Posselt
