More accommodation choices for Tuggeranong seniors

The sale of land parcels in Isabella Plains and Calwell to two prominent operators of accommodation for people over 55 and residential aged care will provide more housing options for older persons in Tuggeranong, ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch announced today.

Ms Burch welcomed the sale to Lend Lease - Australia's largest owner, operator and developer of accommodation for people aged over 55 - of a 4.468 hectare site on the corner of Ellerston Ave and Drumston Street in Isabella Plains for more than $5 million, which it will develop as a retirement village and an associated community centre.

Lend Lease currently own and operate 70 retirement villages and 30 aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand comprising 12,740 retirement living units and 2,318 residential aged care beds providing quality services to more than 18,000 seniors.

"Work will commence shortly on the master plan for the site to be followed by the lodging of the Development Application with work expected to commence by mid-2012," Ms Burch said.

"With an ageing population, this is good news for older Canberrans, particularly those in Tuggeranong who wish to remain in their communities in their retirement."

The other entrant is Victoria-based Innovative Care Ltd who own and operate 11 aged care facilities in Victoria, NSW and Queensland with 860 aged care beds.

Innovative Care has purchased a 2.1 hectare site in Ware Street in Calwell for more than $2 million and will provide High and Low Level Care Places, Respite Care, Day Care, and Independent Living Units (ILUs).

It is anticipated that the Development Application will be lodged by mid 2012 with construction to be commenced by the end of the year. Construction is anticipated to take about 12 months.

"The strategic decision by Lend Lease and Innovative Care to come to Canberra reflects the opportunities for increased investment in this market sector."