Ryman Healthcare has announced plans for a new $220 million retirement village in Taupō, a move Mayor David Trewavas said he welcomes with “open arms”.

Ryman, New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator, acquired a 9.79 hectare site at Acacia Bay Rd in Nukuhau, just 1.7km from Taupō’s town centre and have announced plans for an integrated retirement village with town houses, serviced apartments and a care centre offering resthome, hospital and dementia care.

Chief development and construction officer Chris Evans said Ryman had been looking for the perfect spot for a village in Taupō for some time.

“Taupō is a popular retirement destination, and we were delighted to be able to find a flat site with magnificent lake views and residential zoning so close to town.

“Taupō has a large, retired population and a shortage of living options for older people, so we can’t wait to get going on this project.’’

The new village will employ more than 200 construction workers during its peak and it will create about 120 full-and part-time jobs once the village opens.

Evans said all Ryman villages are named after significant local people, and said they would welcome name suggestions for the new village.

Trewavas said Ryman’s arrival was good news for the region.

“We welcome Ryman with open arms. I think it’s wonderful to have a well-known operator with a reputation for quality and building beautiful villages planning to come here. We welcome new people to town and we’re building new amenities to cope with the growth we see in the years ahead.

“It’s a great site with lake views and it will also help with connectivity for families to visit because it is so close to town,’’ he said.

Taupō District has a population of 40,000 and its economy is built on forestry, agriculture, geothermal energy, and tourism.

It has the second largest urban population in the Waikato behind Hamilton and has long been a popular destination for retirees because of its stunning scenery on the shores of the lake.

Other names include Sir Edmund Hillary, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Possum Bourne and Linda Jones.

Credit: Stuff.co.nz