TUESDAY 15 MARCH - Alpine View Retirement Village

Despite all the difficulties presented by the earthquake the team at Alpine View Retirement Village made me very welcome and were keen to explain how they had coped during and immediately after the quake. Their modern buildings had fared well with no structural damage despite extensive and violent movement during the 18 seconds of the main event.


I was shown round the new village, of which only the first stage has been constructed by Jeremy O'Dowd, Simon's brother. Set in a quiet suburb of the city this development is already proving popular and the 10 self contained two bedroom bungalows in the first phase are already sold and occupied. 12 more units are under construction in stage 2 and 6 of these are already sold or are under offer. There is little doubt in New Zealand about the attractiveness of this style of retirement living amongst older people and the retirement village industry appears to be thriving. The combination of high quality dwellings with close proximity to community shops and facilities and with a modern, purpose built residential and nursing care centre forming a discrete part of the campus, just around the corner, offers a lifestyle option that clearly many senior New Zealanders find very attractive.


The buildings are constructed with substantial timber frames which are designed to cope with climatic conditions as well as earthquake risk.


Once Stage 3 is complete the village will include a community centre with a general store, spa, doctor's rooms, hairdresser and other facilities. The individual properties are spacious averaging 126 sq metres, each with two double bedrooms with ample storage space and high quality kitchens and living areas.


Further details can be seen at www.alpineview.co.nz.

Location:Christchurch