2018 NZ Commercial Property Awards Recognise Russley Village Excellence
22 May 2018Christchurch’s premium retirement village, The Russley Village, has scooped two prestigious awards for its new state-of-the-art, multi-purpose ‘Homestead’ building at the recent New Zealand Commercial Project Awards. Hosted by the Registered Master Builders Association, the awards are the benchmark for commercial construction in New Zealand.
The Homestead, which sets new standards in terms of design and luxury retirement living, received a Gold Award in the Residential Category and was a National Category Award in the $5-15 million value section.
The 1400 metre square, two-storey building was commended by the judges for its ‘country club’ atmosphere through its incorporation of a wide range of community facilities - including a cafe and restaurant, a lounge area, a boutique cinema and a snooker room, a library, a study and a computer room, a hair salon and wellness rooms.
The judges also made note of the exemplary workmanship throughout, the level of finish in the building and the bespoke features used to give the building context. The site restrictions and safety aspects were also mentioned since the build location was in the centre of the village complex and adjacent to another building project.
The Russley Homestead was pronounced ‘an excellent addition to the retirement village’.
Graham Wilkinson, Director of Generus Living Group (the company behind The Russley Village and several other premium retirement villages) is delighted that project partners - Simon Construction and Dalman Architects - have received industry recognition for their work.
“The Homestead was built on the original site of the iconic Russley Hotel. It was, therefore, very important that the building paid tribute to its heritage. It was our aim to mark this by creating a sophisticated country-club experience for our residents - one that captured some of the old hotel’s warmth and ambience and which focused on quality and attention to detail.”
“We are proud to see how the architectural design has translated into how the Homestead is used as an everyday part of village life. The Homestead has created a sense of real community for our residents. It’s a central touch-space for the whole community, their friends and their family.”
Wayne Thompson, Manager of The Russley Village, adds that residents are incredibly proud of the village and the new Homestead building. “Our residents enjoy its functional elegance. They like its central location and love how it connects the rest of the village and complements it in terms of style.”
The final stage in the village, an aged care hospital called “Ashley Suites” is currently underway with completion due in 2019.
The Russley Village has also recently been awarded the 2018 Community Pride Garden Award for the fourth year running by The Fendalton Waimairi Harewood Community Board and the Christchurch Beautifying Association.