$80 million dollar aged care development in Canberra’s near future

In the next few months, construction will be underway after a deal was reached between Lendlease, Arcane Aged Care and the ACT Suburban Land Agency, with a sod-turning ceremony held last week.

The Gold Creek Homestead in Ngunnawal, a historic staple in Canberra dating back to 1860, has been acquired by Lendlease on May 16 for an $80 million project, which will deliver 45 new two/three-bedroom independent villas to the existing Retirement Village — The Grove Ngunnawal.

In addition, a new 124-bed residential aged care facility will be delivered by Arcare Aged Care, with plans to incorporate the Homestead as a key part of the precinct development which is guided by the following themes: new place with a long past, care, inclusivity and safety, rural oasis, sustainability and ongoing considerations.

Lendlease was announced as the preferred tenderer in March 2021 for the Gold Creek Homestead Precinct and has now exchanged contracts for the site with the Suburban Land Agency. Lendlease’s successful tender concept included a preliminary plan to capture the place and community values of this historic site.

Sustainability considerations incorporated into the design, which is set to be completed in 2024, include:

• Entirely electric energy for the retirement living and homestead operations
• Low carbon transport options including cross-block active travel footpath link
• Lendlease will promote positive social sustainability outcomes, celebrating a proud local history from First Nations to present day
• Lendlease is progressing with the 5-star Greenstar Community Accreditation with the Green Building Council of Australia

General Manager of Lendlease Development for Victoria and the ACT John Bruzzaniti welcomes public approval after community consultation on the design.

“Receiving the green light from council to get started on our new development brings us one step closer to delivering a vibrant, intergenerational community that is sustainable, inclusive and builds on our existing connection with the local area,” says Mr Bruzzaniti. 

“The new precinct will also help meet the high demand for independent living retirement homes and residential aged care in Canberra.”

Acquired by the ACT Government in 1998, the precinct is bounded by Monty Place, Gungahlin Drive and neighbouring residences in Ngunnawal, with the successful tender conditional, honouring the history of the site and preserving the landmark.