Village's second stage will be built

The Metlifecare retirement village opposite Smales Farm will eventually have 246 apartments. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Listed retirement village owner/operator Metlifecare will go ahead with the second stage of its new Takapuna project, it confirmed yesterday.

Richard de Haast, Metlifecare chief executive, said the second stage would comprise 62 units, a spa, pool and gym.

In June, construction firm Haydn & Rollett is due to finish the first stage and its 78 units.

"We're just 14 weeks away from opening," de Haast said.

Haydn & Rollett also has the construction contract for the second stage.

The North Shore development at the intersection of Shakespeare Rd and Taharoto Rd across from Smales Farm, will eventually have 246 apartments, 15 serviced units and five care suites.

Metlifecare has contracts on 20 of the first 78 units, de Haast said. That gave the business confidence to go ahead with the next stage.

People visited the project at the weekend and de Haast said this resulted in 44 new inquiries.