Summerset open first stage of $250m Ellerslie development

Prime Minister Bill English was a guest at the opening. Photo / Supplied

Stage one development of a $250 million Summerset retirement village in Ellerslie was opened today by Prime Minister Bill English.

Summerset said the higher density nature of the retirement village, compared to the residential homes people have moved from, results in approximately five times more efficient land use for Auckland.

"At a time when land supply is under real pressure, developments such as this play a vital role in freeing up land in Auckland," said Summerset chief executive Julian Cook.

"The opening of stage one of Heritage Park is a significant milestone and represents a major step forward in our ambitious growth plans for the Auckland region," Cook said.

"In our 20th year of operation we have a major focus on Auckland and Ellerslie is just the start. This is part of a $1.3 billion investment programme in the Auckland region including building major new villages in Parnell and St Johns."

The village will house 450 residents in 320 villas and apartments, and 58 rooms which will provide home and hospital-level care.

Summerset at Heritage Park will also sport a lake, bowling green, library, salon, bar, gym, pool, spa and cafe.

"The village has been purpose-built to reflect the vision of Summerset to provide the best of life to our customers," said Cook. "This is a development that will challenge many people's preconceived notions of what a retirement village is like."