01/08/2025
Amberley, Hurunui District, 31 July 2025 – A major milestone in the growth of Amberley Country Estate was marked this week as Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black turned the first soil on the village’s highly anticipated permanent community centre. Residents, staff and even the senior management team from HPA in Auckland all turned out to mark the historic occasion.
The luxury resort-style facility will become the heart of the village community. At 1,247m², plus a large indoor courtyard, the architect-designed building will feature a café, indoor swimming pool, spa pools and sauna, a commercial kitchen, library, crafts room, games room with pool tables, consulting and beauty therapy rooms, a gymnasium and a flexible space for dance, fitness and events.
Outdoor amenities will include a bowling green, pétanque and croquet courts, alfresco dining areas, and a popular Men’s Shed. Once complete, the new Community Centre/Clubhouse will host the full calendar of village events, excursions, and activities that village residents already enjoy – with plenty of room to grow. Completion is expected toward the end of 2026.
“This is an exciting day for Amberley,” said Mayor Marie Black. “Amberley Country Estate has already brought vitality and thoughtful development to our region, and this next phase reflects the strong sense of community that is growing here. The new clubhouse will be a social anchor and a fantastic asset for residents.”
Amberley Country Estate is a retirement village with a difference. Its 37 acres of open space, large villa yards and meandering, landscaped streets create the feel of a residential neighbourhood – rather than rows of uniform homes. Villas are energy-efficient, generously sized, and built to a luxurious specification, with a wide range of plans to suit every lifestyle.
The Village Manager, Steve Hutt, welcomed a great turn out from the residents and noted that it was a pleasure to have the Mayor, Marie Black, in attendance to celebrate this milestone in the Village development.
Project Manager from the village’s architects and builders, HPA Group, Hamish Ward, said, “As a local, this project is something I’m very proud to be part of. We’ve been working diligently over the last three years building homes for our residents, and now we’ll deliver a building that will be the heart of the village. We’ve taken inspiration from the beautiful homesteads on the old pastoral runs and added a modern take to create a space of quiet luxury.”
Sales and Marketing Manager Hamish Lamont added, “This new clubhouse will give our residents a vibrant space to come together, connect, relax, stay active and enjoy everything this lifestyle has to offer.’
