The Canterbury Brain Collective has purchased a site in Langdons Road in Papanui for the proposed $6.3 million BrainTree Centre for Canterbury people living with neurological conditions.

Canterbury Brain Collective Director Simon Challies says the land purchase is a huge milestone for BrainTree which will be the first wellness centre of its kind in the country offering innovative world class therapy and support for those with neurological conditions.

“Conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Dementia are progressive and while some people may become severely disabled, most people can live with relatively moderate symptoms over longer periods of time in the community.”

“Those approached during fundraising to date have supported our vision of creating the BrainTree centre to support those with neurological conditions live well.”

The land purchase follows an initial fundraising effort during which $2 million was raised in donations and grants.

“We have so many people to thank for getting us to this stage so quickly. We are incredibly fortunate to have received support from a relatively small group of anchor benefactors whose generosity is both overwhelming and humbling. We’ve also received substantial grants from Rata Foundation and the Christchurch City Council.”

The Canterbury Brain Collection is a registered charity which includes representatives of Multiple Sclerosis/Parkinson’s and Dementia Canterbury.

It is now in the detailed design phase of developing the centre, aiming to have the consent process completed and building set to start by late September.

“We have curtailed our fund-raising effort during the lockdown, but that has not stopped us working behind the scenes on the building design and also preparing for a public fundraising campaign over winter to raise the final funds we need to start building,” Simon Challies says.

“BrainTree is a very exciting project to be involved with. It is fast becoming a reality and we are encouraging Cantabrians to contribute in any way possible to make life so much better for thousands of people living with neurological conditions.”