Work is well underway on the new Abbeyfield Alexandra senior persons' housing project.

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

Committee chair Carole Gillions is leading the project, and in June Central Otago District Council agreed to transfer a 600 sqm strip of land that was being used to access water supply treatment.

To secure the deposit for the land so the committee can enter into a formal agreement with the developer, the members have begun a series of community fundraising events.

The first was the Christmas Winter gala, and at the end of October will be a food and fashion day, starting with a ‘preloved to reloved’ sale, and ending in style with a fashion show and high tea at Orchard Garden.

The committee will then approach major funders such as Central Lakes Trust and government agencies to look for financial assistance to complete the purchase of the land, and start on the concept design for the 14-room house.

The house is estimated at $4.2M, and the committee aims to begin building in late 2026 or early 2027. 

Rent will be affordable for those living on superannuation; it will include meals, power, rates, and overheads — with no capital entry fee or licence to occupy.

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

Carole Gillions looks over plans for the proposed Abbeyfield development in Alexandra. Photo: The Central App

An innovative housing model for older people wanting to retain their independence but enjoy the company of others, the idea followed two community hui. The first, in 2018, identified a strong need for more elderly persons’ housing in the town.

Alexandra Council of Social Services (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 that now has charitable trust status.

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

Find more about the fundraising events coming up on our ‘What’s on’ section.

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