A state heritage listed site on the doorstep of the Adelaide hills has been transformed into a first-of-its kind retirement and aged care development that offers a new model for ageing in place.
Tucked behind the busy intersection of Cross Road and Glen Osmond Road in leafy Myrtle Bank, the Carmelite Aged Care & Retirement Living community is a newly constructed development, situated on a site that is rich with history and surrounded by green, rolling hills.
Integrated aged care and retirement living provides an important role in supporting Australia’s ageing population.
Situated on the same site as the newly-constructed Carmelite facility is the original residence of the Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide and the former Carmelite convent. The original residence was commissioned by Bishop John O’Reily who moved into the building in 1897. In 1935 it was handed to the Carmelite nuns.
Today, adjacent to the original residence, lies a five-storey building which houses 72 aged-care beds on the first two floors, alongside three complete levels of retirement apartments of varied sizes and floor plans. With a full-time concierge and pristine health and wellness centre, Carmelite caters to a broad range of residents.
The light-filled Bowler Family Café, named after the family of Brendan Bowler OAM, chair of the Southern Cross Care Board, encourages residents and families to meet, share a meal, and take in the view of the gardens.
The project was designed with adaptability in mind, says Daniel Rosato, group manager of development at Southern Cross Care.
“There are a range of services and amenities within the building that are offered to the retirement living apartment owners to allow for the utmost comfort and care.” This integration of aged care and retirement living is the first of its kind in South Australia, Rosato says.
Constructing a new development on a site housed in a heritage-listed zone was not without complexities. While heritage-listed sites can take longer to redevelop, “State Heritage was on board right from the get-go,” Rosato says.
“Preparation is of utmost importance,” Rosato advises, adding that fostering a collaborative mindset is also key.
Steve Blackmore, senior site manager at Sarah Constructions, says it’s “rare” for a project of this longevity to maintain a team for the entire build, but the same team worked until completion.
“There were very few grey hairs out on the site, but it provided an incredible learning experience for so many young people who want to create a future in the building industry,” Blackmore says.
A pioneer project, Carmelite Aged Care & Retirement Living captured the attention of the local industry, with other aged care providers watching with interest.
In all respects, Rosato considers the project a success. Delivered eight weeks ahead of schedule, just one of the 38 apartments is left to sell. Rosato credits the unified project team and extensive planning for the success.
While stage one is complete, Southern Cross Care is looking long term.
“We have more plans in the future to make the area an even more vibrant precinct in the future, with the restoration of the original archbishop’s residences currently underway,” says Rosato. “More is to come.”