Another fundraising push could see construction of the Hawthorndale Care Village project in Invercargill underway before the end of the year, working group member Paddy O'Brien says.

The optimism follows the announcement yesterday that the development has been granted resource consent by the Invercargill City Council.

A hearing of the resource consent application for the village project was held in November, and The Hawthorndale Care Village Charitable Trust received the decision yesterday.

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There is a 15-day appeal period.

Mr O’Brien said they were thrilled with decision and eager to get the construction underway in 2021.

“This will be a wonderful asset for the community, and the support from the community has been outstanding.”

The project had just $4million left to raise with over $29million confirmed funding for the $33million development, he said.

The Hawthorndale Care Village project is an aged care facility inspired by the world leading Dutch dementia village, De Hogeweyk. The design of the village and the delivery of care removes the institutional/hospital feel and replaces it with residents living in small groups in houses where the rhythm of everyday living is tailored to each individual resident.

The former site of the Hawthorndale School on Tay Street, Invercargill has been secured for the village project.

Another woking group member, Mark O’Connor, said a key focus now would be securing the remaining funding to ensure the construction tender phase of the project could get underway as soon as possible.

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The project would have positive economic impacts for the Southland economy, and would contribute to the social, health and community wellbeing of the region, he said.

The project represented an opportunity to redefine aged care in New Zealand, starting in Southland, Mr O’Connor said.

“By donating now, you can be part of the legacy to give elderly people in need of care, and those living with dementia, freedom, a sense of purpose and better health and wellbeing outcomes,” he said.