KEY POINTS:
Manurewa residents will soon be treated to a large new park, as a new housing complex for elderly residents is built in the area.
The new reserve, in Alfriston Rd, will involve the extension of Gallaher Park, which is mainly used for touch rugby, near the Manurewa town centre.
With Tadmor Park also nearby, the move will turn the area into one large open space - something for which residents have continually been asking, Manukau Parks acting manager Biran Singh says.
"Any green space is an ideal area for residents.
"Everybody wants a green space anywhere - it takes away the monotony of buildings - and with lots of trees and open space for people to utilise, it's going to be great."
The new reserve comes following a decision to shift the elderly housing complex Tadmor Village from nearby McAnnalley St behind Gallaher Park.
A complex of 16 single units costing up to $2.2 million is due to be built at 29 Alfriston Rd, on the other side of Gallaher Park, which is surrounded by houses.
Mr Singh said turning the old Tadmor Village site into a reserve was a positive move for the area.
"It's a nice change from another building [and] it might increase the number of people going out for exercise."
