Grey District Council Retirement Housing Unit Upgrades

Over the past 12 months, Council staff have led a series of improvements to the districts Retirement Housing units. To find out more, check out the projects below.

Blaketown Re-Bricking Project:

Four of the six blocks of units in Blaketown have been rebricked to ensure that residents stay warm and dry. The construction works began with the removal of the old brick cladding, followed by installation of a weather tight barrier, new wall insulation and the complex task of rebricking and porch rebuilds.

Contractors have now completed re-bricking on all four units and the carpenters are on track to be finished this week. Painting is now underway on the porches, soffits and steps on the fourth and final block. Councils Property Officer, Graham Smith has also completed the gardens and mowing strips around the units to keep the complex looking fresh.

Thank you to contractors Tony Wilkins Builder Limited and S. A. Thelning Brick and Blocklayers for completing this project well before Winter.

Dobson Fence:

Following storm damage that occurred last October, the back yard fencing around the Dobson housing units has now been completely replaced.

Paul Smith Earthmoving and James Murphy Plaster and Painting were on hand to design and construct the fencing. With the fencing complete, Council staff are now organising planting around the fence line.

New Key and Lock System:

Council is introducing a new key and lock system to all Retirement Housing units. The new system is designed to provide security improvements to all 118 Retirement Housing units and will be phased in over a three year period, beginning with the Blackmore Street complex which was completed in December 2021. The next site is the Blaketown complex where work has already commenced.

Tenants have reported that the installation of the new lock system has been positive, and have said, "things are much easier and faster when we lock ourselves out".

Re-Roofing Project:

A project undertaking full roofing replacement on 27 Retirement Housing units was completed during 2021. The work included installation of ceiling insulation in four units that could not be undertaken during an earlier project due to access issues. This recent work ensures that all of the Councils Retirement Housing units meet the Governments healthy homes requirements.

The re-roofing work includes units in High, Cowper, Ngarimu and Frickleton Streets and was completed by contractor Robert Caldana and his team.

Councils Group Manager Customer and Community, Gerry Veugelaers, says, “it’s been great to see these projects in progress, the recent improvements to our Retirement Housing demonstrates the Councils commitment to providing quality facilities that are inclusive, community focused and forward looking”.