Pensioner flats for Akaroa

Press, 31 July 1978, Page 4

Pensioner flats for Akaroa

Parliamentary reporter

Housing Corporation bridging finance of $186,000 has been approved for the Pompallier Village Trust Board management committee at Akaroa. The money will allow the trust — members of both Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes in the county — to build nine double pensioner units on a tenant-contribu-tion basis. The cottages will form part of a village complex which will include an 11-bed geriatric home, converted from the old Catholic convent, and a community hall. The site, on the corner of the Rue Lavaud and Rue Viard, is being transferred to the trust by the Roman Catholic diocese of Christchurch free of charge provided it is always used for accommodation for the elderly. The member of Parliament for Lyttelton (Miss C. E.

Dewe) said she was delighted that the Minister of Housing (Mr Holland) had been able to help the trust to provide this necessary pensioner accommodation in Akaroa. In contrast to rental subsidised units which were wholly financed by the Government, residents in these flats would contribute to the capital cost but the ownership would remain with the trust. Miss Dewe said this scheme would give elderly people the security of an investment in their homes without the worry of insurance, maintenance and rates, which would be the responsibility of the trust. Work will begin on the nine-unit complex almost immediately, and it is hoped to have them finished within 12 months. Already the trust has received four firm offers for the units and many other inquiries.