Landmark development underway
There are plenty of interested eyes on Australian Unity’s new model of medium high rise inner city living and care for older Melburnians as construction kicks off.
Above, from left: Craig Ondarchie MLC, Minister for Housing, Wendy Lovell MLC, Rohan Mead, Group Managing Director Australian Unity, Minister for Health and Ageing, David Davis MLC, and Derek McMillan, Chief Executive Officer Australian Unity Retirement Living.
By Keryn Curtis
Victoria’s housing minister, Wendy Lovell, was joined yesterday by the state’s Minister for Health and Ageing, David Davis, for the sod-turning ceremony for Australian Unity’s new inner Melbourne retirement and aged care development, known as the Carlton Wellbeing Precinct.
The ministers were joined by Australian Unity senior executives, the project’s architects and other dignitaries for the official start of construction on the development which, due to its size, location and departure from traditional Australian retirement living and aged care projects, promises to be closely watched.
Australian Unity’s group managing director, Rohan Mead, said the $180 million precinct was poised to change thinking on how older people can live in the future.
“We know many older people want to age in, or near, the communities in which they have lived most of their lives. They want to be near friends, family and the hustle and bustle of city life when they move into retirement or aged care facilities. But their choice has been limited – until now. We believe this facility can be a template for future inner city ageing communities across the country.’’
The Carlton Wellbeing Precinct is located a few kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD in the vibrant Victorian era suburb of Carlton, known for its ‘little Italy’ flavour and famous Lygon Street as well as being home to both Melbourne University and Royal Melbourne University of Technology.
It will stand as one of Australia’s largest inner city projects and combines seniors housing with health and wellbeing services, as well as high and low aged care for around 360 people – a model expected to be in high demand in the coming decades as many urban baby boomers seek to avoid moving away from their local communities.
The Carlton Wellbeing Precinct design includes a range of features and services to encourage good health and well-being, including opportunities for community participation and social activities. It will have a senior-friendly gym, hydrotherapy pool and healthcare consulting and treatment suites. It also features a café, community room, public parklands and common areas through the residential areas to enhance social connections between residents and with others in the neighbourhood.
Designed by leading architect, Daryl Jackson, it will be built within the Victorian government’s Carlton Housing Redevelopment Project, generating 200 new jobs during the construction phase and a further 160 jobs post construction.
Australian Unity Retirement Living chief executive officer Derek McMillan said the Carlton Wellbeing Precinct puts retirement living and aged care into the middle of the community, where it should be.
“In designing this precinct we believe we have developed a new model that will integrate retirement and aged care facilities into the broader community. Doing so will enhance residents’ connections with each other and establish relationships around the neighbourhood,” said Mr McMillan.
“For instance, having more local people use the precinct’s gym and café will encourage intermingling with the precinct’s residents and may be a step in demystifying ageing,” he said.
Mr McMillan believes the facility will set a new benchmark for retirement living and aged care. It offers a model for how urban planning and design can play a critical role in the quality of life of older Australians,” Mr McMillan said.
The first stage of the Carlton Wellbeing Precinct is due to be completed by Christmas 2013.