The first step in building a retirement village in Oamaru - costing up to $15 million for the first stage - was taken by the Waitaki District Council yesterday, but whether it goes ahead will depend on investigations over the next 12 months.
Yesterday, the council gave unanimous approval for its wholly owned company, Waitaki District Health Services (WDHS), to set up two council-controlled organisations (CCOs) to build and operate the village on ''Hospital Hill''.
''The district is bubbling with enthusiasm and support for this. Concerns expressed will be considered. There is no question this is being steamrolled,'' Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said.
Both he and WDHS chairman of directors George Berry emphasised this was only the start of the process leading to a final decision by both the council and company on whether the project proceeds in about 12 months.
If all goes to plan, construction on stage 1 could start in 2015 and be finished in 2016 on an 8ha site WDHS would buy from the council for $615,000.
Mr Berry told the council WDHS was very encouraged by the 90% level of support among the 82 public submissions on the project.
The project was ''still at the very preliminary stage'' and the council's decision yesterday enabled it to proceed with further investigations, including geotechnical investigations of the site, and those looking into resource consents, design, construction, operating models, risk, financial viability, governance and issues raised by submitters not already covered.
That was targeted for completion in October next year.
Both the council and WDHS would ensure there was no risk to ratepayers related to the construction and operation of the village, profits being returned to the district through extra health services.
No other sites in Oamaru large enough for the village had been found - an issue raised by some submitters, he said.
The need for the village was identified by WDHS in light of the district's ageing population and people leaving the area for such villages in other centres.
The proposed first stage would comprise 21 villas of up to three bedrooms, 12 apartments, 40 rest-home care beds in individual en suite rooms and a community centre with a library, chapel, technology, media and music rooms, fitness suite, gymnasium, hair salon and provision for indoor bowls.
The almost 8ha site allows for further stages, depending on demand, of up to another 21 villas, 12 apartments and 40 hospital care beds. The final configurations will depend on detailed design yet to be carried out. The village would employ up to 70 people.
Further decisions by the council would be made as part of the 2014-15 annual plan and possibly the 2015-25 long-term plan, both subject to public consultation.
Decisions on possible council investment in infrastructure services for the project remained to be clarified.
