Multimillion-dollar upgrade for Resthaven facility

Resthaven’s Westbourne Park facility in South Australia is being redeveloped to the tune of $37 million.

The renovated facility will adopt a small house aged care model to provide a more homely and personalised environment for the 121 residents who call Westbourne Park in a southern suburb of Adelaide home.

The final design is the culmination of almost two years of planning and consultation with residents, staff, volunteers and the local community. “To ensure we were on the right track, we undertook stakeholder engagement and co-design workshops in late 2021, with residents and families sharing their ideas and suggestions,” said Resthaven building and capital projects manager Emmet O’Donovan.

Suggestions included private dining areas, more activities and games spaces, outdoor walking trails and raised garden beds. “We incorporated this feedback into our designs, which have received very positive comments from the site community and neighbouring residents alike,” said Mr O’Donovan.  

The refurbishment will also pave the way for increased parking, a new entrance, a café, cloistered courtyard, outdoor water feature and children’s play area. Wellbeing improvements – such as increased natural light and more external garden outlooks – are also integrated in the redesign.

The project also has “a clear focus” on environmental sustainability, said Mr O’Donovan. “This includes a large rooftop solar system and energy efficient heating systems,” he said.

Opening in 1967, it was time for Westbourne Park to undergo a major upgrade, said Mr O’Donovan. “This is a large investment in upgrading the amenities that Resthaven can offer, and we look forward to working together with our site communities on this major project,” he said.

Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care provider. It has facilities throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula, the lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast.

Work begins at its Westbourne Park site in May.

Main image: artist’s impression of the cloistered courtyard

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