Verve chats with Graham Wilkinson, director of Generus Living Group.
What was your vision for The Foundation?
To create a world class haven of sophistication and care for seniors. A place for residents to enjoy their retirement years with security, vitality and engagement. The Foundation was always designed to be a bespoke community where historic and contemporary architecture intertwine in keeping with the Parnell Precinct’s unique history and heritage buildings.
How is The Foundation unique compared to other premium retirement villages?
The Foundation site is unique in terms of both its heritage and location. As with Generus Living’s five other villages, it’s in a style that complements the unique surrounding environment.
As pioneers in upscale retirement villages, we have a proven track record and bring our hotel experience to village living. Residents moving to our communities know what to expect because we have spent more than 15 years carefully crafting our offerings from key learnings.
What stage are you at in the build programme?
It was superb to welcome The Foundation’s first residents to Nathan Residences in October. This is the first of three buildings which will make up the village. Work is now underway on the second building, Abbott Residences, which includes a rooftop terrace providing a covered sky pavilion and courtyard garden with views over the museum and harbour.
Seismic strengthening has begun on Pearson House, the neo-Georgian building opposite the Auckland Domain, and refurbishment will follow to include a cafe, library, cinema, gym, and lounges. This is our ’private Northern Club’ for residents and their friends.
Pearson Residences, The Foundation’s third building at the rear of Pearson House, is expected to start construction in 2026, once Abbott Residences are nearing completion. The building will house residential care and memory assisted facilities, a restaurant and bar, a wellness centre with pool, and apartments above.
What kind of amenities and services are currently available to residents?
We are committed to providing an unparalleled living environment that extends beyond luxurious amenities – personalised service underpins The Foundation experience. Residents can enjoy exclusive access to a range of premium services. Currently, these include a dedicated Club Lounge providing a sophisticated space for residents to meet socialise and entertain, access to a 24-7 concierge service, and in-apartment room service including options to assist with entertaining.
The Foundation provides residents with the choice of a self-drive Mercedes or the luxury of a chauffeured vehicle service. Additionally, Nathan Residences has a wellness clinic overseen by a registered nurse which not only complements existing care relationships, but also provides residents with further assurance in respect to their wellbeing.
How does the partnership with Generus Living Group and owners of the Parnell Precinct, Blind Low Vision NZ, work?
The Foundation is an equal partnership between Generus Living and Foundation Properties Limited, the property-owning company of Blind Low Vision NZ. As part of the partnership, Blind Low Vision has now relocated to new fit-for-purpose premises on the ground level of Nathan Residences.
To find out more visit thefoundationvillage.co.nz or email enquiries@thefoundationvillage.co.nz
