The site at 53 Tozer Street was formally known as the Judith Evill units and has been renamed the Gateway Apartments to align more with their intended purpose.

The units offer affordable housing in the form of a three bedroom respite unit with 24 hour care.

Community gateway launched the new units on February 10.

The project has been in the works since 2018 when Community Gateway purchased the units from council for $1.1 million.

"There is a big need for affordable accommodation in Kempsey and many of our clients need a place to live but can't afford it and are forced to move in with family, friends or relocate to another region," Community Gateway CEO Craig Thomson told the Argus at the time.

Local community support services and health providers also attended the launch, while a Welcome to Country was performed by Aunty Mary-Lou Buck.

A light morning tea was provided and the group in attendance were invited to a walk through of one of the units.

"We are excited to be unveiling the new-look units to the community," Mr Thomson said.

"The respite unit received significant building work to ensure it was fully accessible to a diverse range of clients. This included bathroom modifications and the joining of two units to make one large three bedroom unit.

"While we faced a few challenges with the refurbishment as a result of COVID-19 last year, we feel that now is the perfect time to make the units available for use."

If any locals are interested in finding out more about Community Gateway respite, aged care or disability services call 6524-5000.