Work is expected to begin on the $21 million facility as early as October this year after the project is approved by council and put out to tender, Greg Shapter UnitingCare Ageing western region executive manager of service development said.

The facility will still offer the same high level of nursing home care, but will do so in a more “home-like” environment with single rooms and ensuites for each resident.

“Most people don’t choose to go into aged care but if they have to they like that level of privacy and dignity,” Mr Shapter said.

Communal areas including a cafe, chapel and family areas will also feature in the new complex to inject “more life” into the facility.

A variety of different churches will use the chapel and residents will be able to watch the services from the comfort of their own rooms via TV.

Currently the facility houses 84 residents in nursing home care with the development expected to increase the number to 90.

The development will proceed in stages to minimise disruptions to the current residents, Mr Shapter said.

As part of the development the buildings in the Summer Street end will be retained as offices to maintain the existing streetscape while new single-storey buildings on the Byng Street side will be “sympathetic” with the current streetscape.

clare.colley@rural press.com