A $400,000 loan from a southern trust has given a real impetus for the plan to build six cottages on Stewart Island so long term residents of the island can "age in place".
The Anglican Diocese of Dunedin has formed a partnership with the Stewart Island (Rakiura) Senior Cottages Trust, offering an interest-free loan of $400,000 to support the construction of six new rental cottages for older residents of the island.
The funding comes from a portion of diocesan resources specifically set aside to benefit the care of older people in Southland, and marks a significant step towards enabling local seniors to "age in place."
The cottages will offer modern, energy-efficient, homes for up to 12 residents, located on flat land in central Oban, close to community services and facilities.
Trust chairman Bruce Ford said he was thrilled with the donation and that got the total raised already to about $700,000.
"While the cost of the project is commercially sensitive as quotes are sought and perused, the cost is likely to rise to $2 million, so we are grateful for every dollar that brings us closer to our total. The Anglican Diocese is certainly one of the partners we have been looking for and look forward to working closely with them soon," he said.
He said the amount would be enough to get the project under way and he hoped to get construction started in the beginning of next year.
Designs were still being finalised but the cottages would be about 50sqm with a simple floor plan to allow mobility. They would be single storey, one bedroom and built on Argyle St.
Mr Ford said many older people on Stewart Island struggled with the cost if only on national superannuation. The new cottages would allow them to continue to live on the island in easier-to-handle spaces.
