MEDIA RELEASE
Ninth Ryman Christchurch village expected to be in demand
The $217 million village opposite the Northwood Supa Centa is well under way and will eventually be home to more than 350 residents.
Ryman Healthcare’s New Zealand CEO Cheyne Chalmers told packed public meetings that the village included the latest in design for residents, including an indoor swimming pool and spa, library, bar, movie theatre, activities and crafts rooms, dining rooms, café and hair and beauty salons.
The village includes 60 resthome, hospital and dementia care beds, so residents moving in could be assured there was care available if their health needs changed over time.
For the environmentally conscious, the village is surrounded by 2.5ha of wetlands near the River Styx which will be home to wildlife and 25,000 native plants. The village will also have charging points for electric vehicles.
Founded in Christchurch in 1984, Ryman’s philosophy of providing care that was ‘good enough for mum and dad’ had been unwavering, Cheyne said.
“Our model is all about care, it is at the core of what we do each day.
“That’s why we have built more care beds over the past 20 years than any other operator.’’
The first stages of the village are selling now. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased demand in Ryman’s retirement living model.
“We’re different in many ways but probably one thing that sets us apart is that we have our own design and construction teams – so our villages are built by us for our residents, so we can have a lot of input into what works and what we can improve on.
‘’We do everything else ourselves, right down to landscaping and interior design. And once the village is developed, we run it with our own team.’’
Bernadette Forsdyke, General Manager of Sales at Ryman New Zealand, said each Ryman village is named after a significant local identity.
Ryman’s other Canterbury villages are named Charles Upham, Ngaio Marsh, Diana Isaac, Anthony Wilding, Essie Summers, Kevin Hickman and Margaret Stoddart.
“We think it is a great way to give the village an identity rather than just a location and pay respect to pioneering locals.
“Who better to ask than the people who live here already – so please let us know if you have any suggestions. There’s nothing better than local knowledge.’’
The early stages are selling fast with first residents expected to move in next year.
Contacts: For media information or images contact David King, Corporate Affairs Manager, on 021 499 602 (+64 21 499 602) or email david.king@rymanhealthcare.com or call Communications Advisor Alan Wood on 027 225 0268.
Bernadette Forsdyke, Anthea Johnson and Glynnis Mackay at the Northwood public meeting.
