Work has begun on Baptcare’s newest aged care facility, which forms part of a major redevelopment project being delivered in partnership by the State Government of Victoria, Baptcare and residential developers, Frasers.
The $160 million development of the Westmeadows site in north Melbourne aims to improve access to suitable housing so local residents can age in place.
Baptcare Acting Chief Executive, Brent Dankesreither said the development of the aged care facility reaffirms Baptcare’s commitment to seniors in the area and the high demand for concessional aged care accomodation.
“This development will rejuvenate and revitalize the Westmeadows community, addressing the unmet need for aged care beds, delivering benefits to residents, families and staff,” Mr Dankesreither said.
The project will deliver:
- a new 90 bed residential aged care facility;
- 110 new social housing homes;
- 34 independent living units for older residents co-located with the aged facility;
- more than 200 new private homes for sale; and
- new landscaped parks, bike and pedestrian paths, and improved community facilities.
Devco Project and Construction Management has been appointed to build the $20 million aged care facility, which comprises a 12-storey and a 13-storey building. Prior to the redevelopment there were 94 public housing properties on the estate.
Mary-Anne Thomas, the state Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Carers, said too many people are living alone in two or three-bedroom homes without appropriate support and the development would meet growing need in the area for affordable aged care.
The project is expected to be completed by late 2017.
