A modified development application in Sydney's northwest reflects the growing consensus that retirement living is becoming the new aged care.
The Marchese Partners I Life 3A designed proposal, on behalf of Castle Hill RSL Club, in Castle Hill, 34km northwest of Sydney's CBD, is for 236 independent living apartments with additional 3-bedroom short-stay units.
The 2018 original $340 million project involved the partial demolition of the club and construction of seniors housing, including 249 independent living units across 5 x six-storey buildings, 17-serviced care apartments and a 19-bed aged care facility.
The four-storey residential aged care facility has been scrapped, saving the RSL club about $100 million in construction costs. The decision, it states, is based on market research indicating an industry shift towards prioritising seniors long-term independence by providing home support services.
The existing ground floor parking will be replaced with a multi-level car park, to be submitted under a separate DA to cater for RSL Club and Fitness and Aquatic Centre patrons.
The new DA also includes an update of design, more open spaces with better solar access through the creation of a central plaza and the terracing of the proposed building forms, and improved connectivity between seniors, the RSL Club members and broader community.
Castle Hill RSL, which has been operating for almost 45 years, states around 20,000 of its 50,000 members are aged 55-plus. The club’s goal is to accommodate more health and wellness services and create a sense of tranquillity and enhanced community connection.
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