Work to start on village centre

READY TO RISE: Construction of the Freedom Villages community centre in Papamoa is expected to begin in January for it to open in May.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby turned the first sod on Freedom Villages community centre yesterday - the latest development in the $55 million project in Papamoa.

Construction would get under way in January, and the community centre was expected to open in May.

Freedom Villages managing director Rudy Van Het Wout said the community centre would contain a residents' cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, private bar and function areas for residents, and entertainment facilities.

"The community centre will be the hub of the village, and the go-to place for socialising in the village," he said.

The Freedom Villages development was part of the Golden Sands subdivision and sales and marketing manager Mark Day said the village adds an important element to the social fabric of Golden Sands.

"It is a major milestone for the area and adds considerable value to the liveability of the village, and will help secure the long-term value of the village."

Development of the community centre follows the opening of Freedom Villages' purpose-built secure motorhome parking and wash facility for residents in May - a national first.