Uniting NSW/ACT has just celebrating the ‘topping out’ of its latest retirement facility in the Sydney suburb of Leichardt.
Retirement Living units run by the Uniting Church have been available in Leichhardt since the opening of the Harold Hawkins Centre in 1964.
The Church originally housed 85 senior Australians during this time before expanding the centre to house up to 118 older people.
“Uniting NSW/ACT is looking to continue the legacy of housing Senior Australians in Leichhardt with the completion of the final roof of the newest development on Norton St,” it said in a statement.
The new roof was marked with a ceremony last week, attended by Uniting Care staff and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward.
“The development will further strengthen connection to community businesses whilst creating choice for local residents to age in place,” said Uniting Care NSW/ACT executive director, Tracey Burton.
She said the Uniting Norton Street retirement village had been designed to create ease of access between retirement living, assisted living and residential care.
“It will complement both the Uniting The Marion residential aged care home and Uniting Seniors Gym in Lilyfield.”
Ms Burton said the concept of ‘ageing in place’ had long been a focus of Uniting.
“When residents of the Harold Hawkins Centre became sick, they can move into the residential aged care home next door.”
“The development will be particularly important to older couples whose care needs change over time as both will be able to receive the support they need without having to move too far from partners and friends.”
The development will have 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 2-bedroom plus study and 3-bedroom apartments.
The 49-apartment complex is designed to help maintain the independence of residents without worrying about continued upkeep of a family home. The new development will also include an allocation of affordable housing.
Construction of the complex is expected to be completed mid 2021.
