Construction begins on $34.5m aged care facility

Construction began on Catholic Homes’ $34.5 million aged care facility in Belmont today, after Perkins Builders was awarded the contract to build the new 96-bed development.

The new Lapage Street facility, which will be built at the former Marist Lodge site, will comprise three levels, including a ground floor 16-bed memory support unit with outdoor sensory gardens, a day therapy centre and two wings of 20 beds each.

Other amenities include a hairdressing salon, training and meeting rooms, a chapel and a ‘reflection space’.

The facility, designed by T&Z Architects, will also feature a public art installation.

But the new development remains nameless for now, with Catholic Homes' board expected to sign off on a name shortly.

Breaking ground on the project today, Catholic Homes chief executive Paul Andrew said the provider was driven by a desire to bring more affordable and accessible accommodation choices to seniors.

“The commencement of this modern residence is very exciting as Catholic Homes affirms its mission and vision to bring quality, compassionate, holistic personalised care, particularly for the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” he said.

The facility is planned for completion in April 2023, with an official opening scheduled for August 2023.