Work on the expansion of Abbeyfield Masterton is now under way, with a target completion date of early 2022.

Construction work has started on the new dining room, kitchen and lounge, which are being added to the existing wing of studio units. The existing living areas are located in an old building which was originally the vicarage for St Matthew’s Church next door. The vicarage building has been sold and will be moved to a new site in the district and restored.

The redevelopment will also see four new studio units built for residents, taking the total number of units to 14.

The project, being undertaken by Abbeyfield Properties in conjunction with Abbeyfield Masterton, will cost close to $1 million. $80,000 has been raised from local funders the Thomas George Macarthy Trust and Trust House; Abbeyfield Properties is contributing equity funding and a grant of over $150,000 has been secured from an international Abbeyfield legacy fund. Local businesses have also offered various in-kind support.

In a pilot arrangement with Abbeyfield, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – will provide operating funding for provision of this new public housing supply.

HUD has entered into a Capacity Supply Agreement with Abbeyfield New Zealand for this purpose.

“HUD is really pleased to be supporting Abbeyfield with this pilot,” said HUD Deputy Chief Executive, Anne Shaw.

“HUD is working with iwi and Māori, local government, Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Providers to increase the supply of public housing where it is needed most. The Public Housing Plan 2021-2024 provides for up to 690 extra public houses and 170 transitional houses throughout the Wellington region, which includes the Wairarapa.”

Abbeyfield New Zealand Executive Officer, Susan Jenkins, said the funding from HUD had made it possible to get the project under way, by supporting Abbeyfield’s ability to service a substantial mortgage.

“We are grateful to all the funders and participants in this project – together we can make a difference for older people’s housing needs,” she said.