Crowley Care Services announced today it has received Council Approval for a $15 million plus redevelopment on its Ballina site, boosting the region’s capacity to provide quality residential care services for seniors.
The project will see both the creation of new buildings and the redevelopment of existing buildings that capitalise on the site’s natural beauty, aspect and water views. New buildings and spaces will be created tailored to the needs of residents’ lifestyles.
“This development supports our region’s ageing population and improves the aged care experience for residents, families, staff and community. It provides more living and social spaces for residents and a great working environment for our staff,” said Crowley CEO Michael Penhey.
The development features:
- a new two-storey 42 room Residential Care Facility and two-storey education centre with library and meeting rooms;
- a new main entrance and administration centre with community plaza that connects to a high-street style café;
- a redeveloped entertainment area in the existing Residential Care Facility;
- a new larger non-denominational chapel.
The development approval follows an announcement last year that Crowley had secured 20 additional beds through the active support of the Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan. It formed part of the Federal Government’s commitment to more funding for aged care services in the region.
“I thank Crowley Care Services for using this Federal Government funding of $1.92 million for 32 beds and a $2.64 million low interest loan. to develop this state-of-the art facility tailored to the needs of local residents,” Mr Hogan said.
“This is a wonderful re-development, which when finished, will provide a very high quality facility for seniors.
“I, and the Government, are aware of the large number of people in the Northern Rivers who are over 60 and are looking for suitable accommodation.”
It was backed by research by RDA Northern Rivers that found the Far North Coast of NSW has a higher proportion of population aged over 60 (27%), compared with the State average of 20%. This is forecast to rise.
For this project Crowley has employed the services of Bickerton Masters Architecture – a team experienced in creating quality spaces for the care services industry.
