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Prime Minister opens ‘The Foundation’ in historic Parnell precinct
Development Updates
19th Mar 2024
Prime Minister Chris Luxon officially opened The Foundation last week, an upscale retirement village in Auckland’s historic Parnell precinct.
The multi-stage development is more luxury hotel than retirement village and comprises three new contemporary buildings and the Category 1 heritage Pearson House, which is currently undergoing seismic strengthening and refurbishment.
The Foundation’s first building, Nathan Residences, opened to residents in October last year and work is now underway on a second adjacent building, Abbott Residences.
More than 250 residents will reside at The Foundation on completion in 2028 with development costs approaching $500 million.
The Prime Minister addressed around 100 people, including residents, future residents, project partners, consultants, and business associates before unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the opening.
The Foundation is a partnership between Generus Living Group Limited and Foundation Properties Limited, the property-owning subsidiary of Blind Low Vision NZ, formerly the Blind Foundation.
Generus Living Director Graham Wilkinson shared with guests the inspiration for The Foundation which came after seeking global best practice. “We wanted to truly honour the precinct’s revered history and its Category 1 Heritage buildings, Jubilee House and Pearson House,” he said.
“One example of a successful integration was Chelsea Barracks in London’s Belgravia, a redevelopment of the Victorian infantry battalion residences. As a result, several design cues including European Jura limestone, deep façade relief, and a shoulder to upper levels have been incorporated in all three new buildings.
Wilkinson also outlined the history of the development, including first approaching Blind Low Vision NZ several years ago to propose a village on their land.
“There’s a reason why we call The Foundation ‘the best retirement address in New Zealand.’ The Parnell precinct, with its rich history and enviable location, is just so incredibly special. At Generus, we felt we could truly value and honour the precinct by acknowledging and celebrating its past.
“The Foundation is not only elegantly designed in an exceptional location, but it is complemented by a dedicated management and hospitality team committed to making living here a unique experience. On final completion in 2028, the full continuum of care facilities will be available allowing residents to receive care if their acuity requires it.
“As a company, we have partnered with a variety of charitable and iwi groups to deliver a new luxury segment to retirement living which is rarely found in New Zealand, and we are enormously proud of these close and rewarding partnerships,” Graham Wilkinson said.
Generus Living’s have completed five retirement villages to date, all of which have been developed to complement their surrounding environments. Other villages include Ranfurly Village (Auckland), Holly Lea Village and Russley Village (Christchurch), and Pacific Lakes Village and Pacific Coast Village (Mount Maunganui). The company has focused on the upscale village segment for more than 15 years, bringing hotel expertise to village living.
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