A new retirement village being built in Tauranga is expected to create some 150 jobs.

The village, to be situated in Bethlehem, is a project being undertaken by Ryman Heatlthcare, and is being named Bob Owens Retirement village in honour of Tauranga's former mayor.

Pictures of a Ryman village in Whangarei.

'Sir Robert had an entrepreneurial flair, belief in hard work, a can-do attitude and tenacity,” says Ryman managing director Simon Challies.

'Combined, these qualities saw him build both a very successful company and also lead the Bay of Plenty region's civic and business prosperity.

'They are qualities that we admire as a company, and we're honoured to be able to name the village after Sir Robert.”

Resource consent is granted and construction works will commence later this month on the $100 million plus project.

'We are thrilled with the response we have received to date from the community.

'We look forward to creating new jobs for local people during the construction phase, and on opening we expect to create up to 150 new permanent positions.”

The Bob Owens Retirement Village will feature a full range of retirement living and care options including independent townhouse and apartment living, assisted living in serviced apartments, rest home, hospital and dementia care.

On completion, the village will be home to up to 450 residents and will be Ryman's 24th retirement village.

The company recently acquired a site in Waikanae and is actively seeking a site for its first village in Australia.

Ryman serves over 5000 elderly New Zealanders and employs over 2500 staff.