Stockland’s Somerton Park wins best refurbishment award
Stockland’s Somerton Park Retirement Village in Adelaide has won the inaugural Ignite Architects Award for Best Refurbishment at the Property Council of Australia National Retirement Living Awards 2017.
Operating for more than years and consisting of nine apartment blocks and independent living villas, Somerton Park Retirement Village was acquired by Stockland in 2015.
Two of these buildings, originally constructed in the 1970s for war widows, were significantly renovated to create quality one-bedroom accommodation that remained affordable within a prestigious Adelaide suburb.
Ben Myers, Executive Director – Retirement Living at the Property Council of Australia, said one of the sector’s biggest challenges was being able to refurbish older communities to make them attractive for a new generation of retirees.
“Retirement village owners around Australia are examining methods of improving the quality of facilities and services within their communities,” Mr Myers said. “However any refurbishment process must be carefully managed to ensure minimal disruption to existing residents who don’t want to have their village living experience disrupted.”
“The Stockland team have shown us what is possible with their improvements at Somerton Park, revitalising a community and creating vital affordable housing options for senior South Australians.”
As part of the Somerton Park refurbishment, Stockland made careful cost management a priority at all times. Initiatives that helped reduce the costs of the refurbishment included:
- Moving from electric to gas hot water services, including the installation of a master gas connection to reduce water heating costs;
- The shifting of existing clotheslines and creation of a reticulated gardens area, requiring far simpler maintenance;
- Use of new materials on the façade of the buildings that will require less painting and maintenance in the future.
Kitchens were completely renovated with modern cabinetry and appliances installed, and bathroom interiors were removed to include new showers, basin vanities and linen cupboards.
One of the units was developed as a Professional Services Room, where medical and care professionals can have consulting hours with residents.
Sale prices for the refurbished apartments ranged from just $199,000 to $225,000, ensuring the accommodation was accessible for people from a wide range of backgrounds, who can now access Somerton Park Retirement Village’s many community benefits including lifestyle and security.
The Award for Best Refurbishment is proudly presented by Ignite Architects, and is part of the National Retirement Living Awards. For more information, visit www.retirementlivingawards.com.au.