Stockland moves on the nation's tallest integrated aged care development
Stockland is making good on a plan to realise a major mixed-use development in suburban Sydney's Epping, lodging plans last week that will pave the way for a substantial tower.
At the heart of the $181.5 million build is a new 29 storey building that would be dedicated to a residential aged care and independent seniors living units. The size and sophistication of aged care developments across the nation has advanced markedly in recent years, although Stockland's bid for 29-33 Oxford Street and 6-14 Cambridge Street is by far and away the nation's tallest.
Already a leading retirement living provider, Stockland in league with the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay intend to deliver the project which would stand on the grounds of Our Lady Help of Christians Church.
As such the project is multi-faceted in that offices, retail, a primary school and ancillary church uses are also included.
29-33 Oxford Street application summary
- Tower to stand 95.9 metres
- Included is a 132 bed residential care facility and 205 independent seniors living units
- 2-3 storey primary school for 210 students with a second stream school planned, boosts student numbers to 420
- 200 seat parish hall
- Landscaped public areas
- Basement provisions for 372 vehicles
Architectus conceived the precinct design, and in their Urban Design report outlined the opportunity the sizeable site provides:
This is an extraordinary proposal for an extraordinary site. Unlike adjacent developments, the proposal will provide great public benefit to the locality, including parish, education, cultural, residential and retail facilities.
The proposal has been designed for the long term and intends to consolidate the Parish’s contribution to the community for the next 100 years. The proposed housing in the vicinity of the Town Centre and Epping Station, will keep elderly residents engaged and connected to the community for a longer period of time.
Similarly, the proximity of the elderly to young children creates the potential for mutual benefit, while prolonging the health and happiness of our oldest citizens.
Stockland first flagged its intentions for the site during May after announcing the tie up with the Catholic Church. At the time Stockland’s CEO of Retirement Living Stephen Bull noted:
The site for the proposed new community is within walking distance to rail, which will soon be upgraded to Metro, and the Epping town centre.
We know seniors want to be part of a vibrant, thriving community close to public transport, shops, clubs, cafés and restaurants, and we want to provide options for people to remain living in the communities they know and love as they age, close to families, friends and services.
The existing heritage-listed church will be preserved enhanced externally.
Stockland is already heavily vested in the national aged care sector with over 12,000 residents calling a Stockland retirement village their home.
Whilst the Epping application is noteworthy for its sheer height, it is not the only substantial development Stockland has on its agenda. The developer continues to push for a mass redevelopment of its Stockland the Pines shopping centre in Melbourne's Doncaster East; included there were 283 retirement living apartments although Manningham City Council stymied the application mid year.
Birtinya Vertical Village also counts itself in the Stockland stable. South of Sunshine Coast, the project is all but complete and features a string of multi-level retirement villages with supporting services.
