Village operator Metlifecare has announced it will start construction on its Gulf Rise village near Auckland – its first to be designed with borders open to the surrounding community.

According to Metlifecare chief executive Glen Sowry, their research has shown that whilst security and safety remain critical and near the top of the list of wants and needs of village residents, they still want to feel relevant and connected to the community and not shut away behind a wall.

 Metlifecare says that rather than rely on fences to keep residents safe the village’s security will be provided by good design. The village will only have a few entry and exit points which will be monitored by security cameras. The community was also designed around "lines of sight", which means roads, pathways and communal areas are overseen by the windows of multiple dwellings.

There will also be a mix of communal areas, some open to the public and other more private for residents and their families, as well as a café and restaurant open to the public on the edge of the village.

This generation is fitter and healthier than previous generations. They’ve grown up with open, sunny spaces – and research has shown that staying connected to your community has big benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.

Of course, many people like the safety and security that comes with living in a village or land lease community – but operators are tapping into this trend.

Anglicare is currently building an ‘Inside-Out’ village in Rooty Hill in western Sydney with retail and community facilities that will be open to residents and the public.

Living Choice’s award-winning Fullarton village in Adelaide is also home to a café and restaurant that is open to the public – to rave reviews.