Uniting NSW.ACT says it is drawing on “blue zone” design principles – based on areas of the world where people have a better chance of living longer than 100 years – at its new McRae-McMahon Place retirement village in Leichhardt, Sydney.

The 65-unit complex, named after LGBTQ+ advocate Reverend Dorothy McRae-McMahon and slated to open next year, will feature landscaped ground floor gardens with water feature, giving residents access to green space and sunlight.

“We know from good design practices, reinforced by evidence-based research of ‘blue zones’, that vibrant, intimate and connected communities live longer.

“The design positions the communal areas to promote connectedness with a central area and extended outdoor areas to make them more inviting and encourage connection and a community spirit,” he said.