Residents Move into Paradise

The COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact on development at Pacific Lakes Village, with the contractor already caught up on building work not able to proceed during Alert Level 4.

Village manager Mark Vincent says the contractor, C3 Construction, returned to work in Alert Level 3 and the building of Stage One homes is back on track, ready for residents to move in later this year. “They’ve done a wonderful job and we’re really thankful for that.”

Mark was available throughout the lockdown to support the village’s current population of 24, including welfare checks and delivering takeaway meals ordered from their sister village, Pacific Coast, across the road.

Stage One of the village, including 55 villas and terraced houses, is already sold out and Stage Two sales are currently well under way.

There are a range of villa designs, all with internal access garaging. Villas feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and some have a study. All homes are fitted with a designer kitchen with engineered stone benchtops, heat pump, emergency call system and LED lighting. In addition, homes are pre-wired for solar with the option to add a solar package and enjoy the benefits of solar energy.

Mark says there has been a surge of new interest in the village since lockdown. “After the uncertainty of COVID, the certainty that comes with living in a village with support and companionship is appealing.”

"The man-made lakes after which the village is named are also beginning to take shape and intensive planting is under way. Residents will be able to enjoy peaceful walks within the village and appreciate the beautiful lake vistas from the deck of the Lake House, the first of the community facilities to be built. The Pavilion, the village’s main community hub with café, bar and lounge, will follow in the next stage.”

The village opened its doors to its first residents in November last year with more due to move in over the next few months. Once completed the village will include a combination of 250 villas and terraced houses.

While the village’s plethora of facilities are still under construction, the new Pacific Lakes residents are able to enjoy Pacific Coast’s facilities which are just a short walk away and include multiple clubs, a restaurant, cafe, swimming pool and a gym just to name a few. “We are certainly indebted to Pacific Coast. In many retirement village developments you would have to wait several years for the community facilities to be built. To be able to move into Pacific Lakes and immediately enjoy the exceptional hospitality services and have access to extensive community amenities is truly remarkable.”

Residents who have already moved into the village are enjoying the sense of community that has quickly developed. Wendy Rigg and her husband moved into a Pacific Lakes villa earlier this year. The couple were attracted to the village because of the great feeling they got when they visited, the fantastic amenities and because the beach is in walking distance. “Being able to walk to local grocery shops, the beach and have so many facilities in one place was very attractive,” says Wendy.  “We play card games with neighbours and I’m a big animal lover so I’ve become ‘aunty’ to many of the neighbourhood pets.”

Pat and Sue Drury were just the second residents to move into Pacific Lakes in November. Pat was thrilled to move in as they were living in a transitional rental after they had sold their home, so moving into a brand new, luxurious terrace house was especially exciting. “The grounds have been of particular enjoyment,” says Pat, “and access to the sister village, Pacific Coast’s community facilities while we wait for our own facilities to be developed has been wonderful.”

Peter and Sue Dixon moved into a Pacific Lakes villa in March of this year from their home in Te Puke and are enjoying being surrounded by like-minded people. “Everyone we have met so far is also looking to meet people and it makes for a lot of fun. There are all sorts of things going on, from wine clubs to gyms to petanque,” says Peter.

Construction of Pacific Lakes’ architecturally designed community facility, The Lake House, is due to begin shortly and will feature an indoor activity area, sweeping deck and covered entertaining area. Adjacent to The Lake House will be the Village Green, where residents can play bowls or croquet, or practise their putting.

Across the lake, and connected by a bridge, will be the Pavilion, with a library, arts and crafts studio and an expansive entertainment centre for resident functions, events and fitness classes.

Pacific Lakes Village has a special focus on its environmental footprint, with The Lake House designed to operate off the grid with its own solar power and rainwater recycling systems. There will also be an electric vehicle fast-charge station on site, electric pool cars and composting and recycling hubs. The village will have its own ecosystem, via a series of waterways, fed from rainwater and natural aquifers that will support the regeneration of plant and birdlife.

In addition, there will be a market garden, commercial glasshouse, climate-controlled growing house, and a variety of fruit trees scattered throughout, enabling residents to grow their own produce and connect with nature.

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