Masonic Village to grow

Multi-million dollar
expansion plan to make room for 60 new residents
PLANS for a multi-million dollar expansion of Masterton's Masonic Village that would almost double its size were made public today, with accommodation for 60 new residents on the drawing board.
Chief executive officer for Wellington Masonic Villages Trust Warick Dunn spoke of the expansion plans during a visit to the village today along with New Zealand Freemason's Grandmaster David Mace.
Only last month the trust secured ownership of the financially strapped Glenwood Hospital, ensuring it will stay open and keeping safe the jobs of about 140 people.
Mr Dunn said the trust was now able to announce that it had completed land purchases around the existing Masonic Village that would eventually allow for the 60-resident expansion, which could include serviced homes, a rehabilitation unit and other village amenities.
By the time the expansion was completed it would have cost " several million dollars", he said, and would bring new jobs at the village and out in the wider community.
The Edith Street village that now consists of 63 villas and 28 flats or apartments celebrates its 20th anniversary next year and reflected the changing "ageing profile" throughout New Zealand.
"When this village was first built those who moved in tended to be in their mid to late 60s."
"Now it is not uncommon for new arrivals to be in their 80s."
Mr Dunn said without going too far into statistics, New Zealand was like much of the western world " in the midst of a seismic shift in the age profile of our population".
About 13 per cent of people were 65 years and older and in a further 20 years this would have grown to 20 per cent and after a further 20 years to 35 per cent.
"In Wairarapa the shift towards an ageing population is even more pronounced," he said.
"By 2026 those over 65 will reach 57 per cent, or 11,000 people ? well in advance of most of New Zealand."
Mr Dunn said those figures had huge implications for the sector catering for older people
"Not only for us, but also doctors, community nursing services and the district health board."
Mr Dunn said he hoped building could start on the expansion within a year.
"We are now going through a selection process to find a design consultant and a project manager."