New Retirement Village Set To Be Built In Kaiapoi

by Briar Topp | Jan 20, 2021 | Silverstream News

Artist's impression of the entry to The Sterling's main building. Subject to change.

The Waimakariri District Council has officially granted land use consent to Lime Living Limited, to establish and operate a new retirement village, The Sterling in the Silverstream Subdivision, Kaiapoi.

Commissioner Darryl Millar, who was appointed by the Waimakariri District Council, granted consent on the 8th of January 2021.

The Sterling is a new later living environment in an open village setting, connected to the wider community with fluid boundaries. Lime Living Limited is the parent company responsible for managing the delivery of this project.

Lime Living Limited was established by Alan Edwards, Fred Rahme and Jack Lin, who have backgrounds in aged care, urban planning and residential development. Their combined expertise and international networks position The Sterling at the forefront of aged care in Canterbury.

“We are not just creating a retirement village. Through our architectural detailing and bespoke design, we will create a five-star village that raises the bar on aged care in New Zealand.” – Fred Rahme | Lime Living Director

Supported by international research and world-class design, The Sterling will provide a new experience in retirement. When complete, the village, spread over seven hectares, will offer 81 independent living villas, 267 apartments, 48 residential care beds and 36 memory care beds.

“Our very first principle is to create a village that is connected to a wider community, that is safe and secure and where residents always have a voice, a village where we would be happy for our mums to live.” – Jack Lin | Lime Living Director

Artist's impression of the library at The Sterling. Subject to change.

Collaborating with internationally renowned architecture firm Marchese Partners means The Sterling will push the boundaries in terms of quality and design. Marchese Partners has more than 15 years of experience creating award-winning, landmark aged care facilities throughout Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom.

The Sterling promotes community, connection and choice. This emphasis will ensure every resident lives as independently as they choose, selecting services and care when needed, but always being independent in making those decisions for themselves.

“We say ‘your life, your choice’, and we give meaning to that by ensuring every resident is central to the decision-making about what care is required and when it is required.” – Alan Edwards | The Sterling Chairman & Executive Director

The Sterling is set to be built in seven stages. The first stage will incorporate 18 villas, a temporary community centre along with the main reserve and green spaces. The existing Silverstream amenities such as café, hairdresser and medical centre are all just a short walk away.

For any enquiries visit 1 Camellia Lane, Kaiapoi or contact the sales team at 0508 783 754 or [email protected]. For more information on The Sterling, please visit www.thesterling.co.nz

Best Hedging Options

Griselinia varieties especially Griselinia Canterbury (extremely hardy, fast-growing, perfect for shelter)
Pittosporum varieties especially Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ (attractive, dark green foliage and a reliable hedge option)
Teucrium fruiticans – Silver Germander (excellent for low hedging, providing silvery foliage all year round with pale blue bee-attracting flowers)
Lonicera nitida – Box Honeysuckle (rapid growth rate, makes excellent hedging)
Corokia Geenty’s Green (yellow flowers in Spring followed by red berries in Autumn)

Native Options

Coprosma (many varieties, attracts native birds)
Carex (numerous varieties for all conditions from dry to wetland—excellent for mass planting, bulletproof)
Marble Leaf (good for underplanting)
Poa cita/Silver Tussock (ideal for revegetation)
Manuka (attracts bees)
Kanuka (hardy native option)

Reliable Colour Shrubs

Nandina/Heavenly Bamboo varieties (attractive year-round foliage):
- Gulf Stream
- Lemon Lime
- Firepower
Lavender (attracts bees, thrives in dry conditions)
Camellia (good winter/early spring flowering)
Escallonia (can be grown as either shrub or hedge)
Hebe Wiri Mist (popular, reliable, and low maintenance)
Hebe Red Edge (a robust plant with lilac-coloured flowers which gradually fade to white)

Trees That Work

Paper Bark Maple (hardy variety)
Norway Maple (reliable performer)
Prunus /Flowering Cherries (beautiful seasonal display)
Malus/Ornamental Apple (excellent for gardens)
Weeping Pear (sturdy branches handle local conditions)
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (smaller variety, good for gardens)

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach.”

Plan Smart, Plant Smarter

Careful planning is the key, says Paul Saunders, Nursery Manager at Sublime.

“Soil preparation is a foundation that’s particularly important in new developments where topsoil may have been scraped away during construction, leaving less-than-ideal growing conditions behind,” he says.

“Then, rather than rushing to fill every corner with plants, I suggest taking an observational approach.”

There’s often the temptation to rush in and quickly plant everything straight away, says Paul, but the key is to take your time.

“Start with your hedging and shelter first,” he says. “This foundational step will create beneficial microclimates throughout your garden and an initial shelter belt that not only protects against Canterbury’s winds but also helps manage frost patterns across your section”.

Indeed, careful attention to sun exposure and positioning should help you decide which plants should go where.

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach,” says Jo.

“Plants on your north face need to be the ones that don’t mind full-on sun, which can be quite harsh, especially along with those easterly winds. Good fencing can help in that respect.”

“Think of your garden as a blank canvas—just with some unique factors you have to take into account to get the best result.”

Simply put, success comes from working with the unique Canterbury environment rather than against it. By choosing locally adapted plants and taking the time to understand your property’s specific conditions, you can create a garden that not only survives but thrives through our region’s dramatic seasonal changes.