A small strip of council-owned land has been transferred to Abbeyfield Alexandra so it can build a bigger affordable housing development for elderly people.

Abbeyfield has more than a dozen communal houses across New Zealand, with more planned in Wānaka, Waimakariri, Greymouth, Hawkes Bay, and Western Bay of Plenty.

Based on an innovative secure rental model, the Alexandra development has been on the cards for a few years, and the local Abbeyfield committee has been working with a landowner to secure the section at the end of Clutha Street.

At Wednesday's (June 25) council meeting, there were discussions around council’s affordable housing policy, before councillors voted to transfer the 600sqm strip of land - currently used for 'water supply and treatment and access purposes’ to Abbeyfield Alexandra.

The designated site is over 20 metres wide so the remaining area would still have sufficient width for access purposes.

That means Abbeyfield Alexandra would now have certainty over its available footprint and can go ahead with its design for the proposed development.

Carole Gillions looks over plans for the proposed Abbeyfield development in Alexandra.

There were cheers in the public forum from committee chair Carole Gillions, who has been involved with the project since its inception.

Carole, who wears many hats, was also part of the Alexandra Council of Social Services (ACSS) that first proposed the 14-room affordable rental development.

Meanwhile, the business community was being invited to a presentation by the Abbeyfield committee at Alexandra Community House on July 2 to hear more about the $4.5 million development.

A fundraising Winter Christmas Gala was also planned for Saturday July 26.

Abbeyfield is an innovative housing model for older people wanting to retain their independence but enjoy the company of others, including at shared meals.

The idea for the rental accommodation followed two community hui - the first of which, back in 2018, identified a strong need for more elderly persons housing in the town.

ACSS carried out a survey for over 65s in Alexandra in 2023 which showed 60 out of the more than 300 people were interested in shared housing.

Carole Gillions introduced the Abbeyfield concept to the ACSS in 2023 and a steering committee was formed which now had charitable trust status.

The steering committee was made up of Cathy Wagstaff, Marie Roxburgh, Helen Adair and Dr Bill Kaye-Blake.