HAWKESBURY over-55s could soon have a new place to live – a $70-100m, four to five-star retirement village on Francis Street.
The development, planned by Richmond Club for its carpark across the road, would have 120-140 units in a four to five storey series of apartment blocks. It’s hoped some social housing units can be peppered throughout the development.
On October 16 the first of two information nights was held to present the concept to members and hear their feedback, with 130 attending. Another will be held November 13.
Developers’ expressions of interest are being invited at the moment. The best bid to build the development is expected to be decided in the next few weeks. Club CEO Kimberley Talbot said the plan could be finalised by the end of the year, depending on what the deal offered members.
“The development is a sensible progression [for the club] and provides what the Hawkesbury needs,” Ms Talbot said. “It allows retired people to remain connected to their community, which is one of the development’s most important concepts. The units will be wheelchair accessible, and the complex will have its own bus.”
The plan will have underground parking as required by Council, will include the Wanderest Travellers Park where residents could store Winnebagos, and a bowling green. Plans also include a vegetable garden, childcare centre, village green, a ‘wellness centre’ with pool, exercise class space and gym, an intergenerational park and home care services.
“During the build it will create hundreds of jobs. Hopefully the final deal will deliver much-needed infrastructure, funding the multi-storey carpark beside the club and the integration between the new hotel and club, additional function facilities and a new gym,” Ms Talbot said.
She said the model they favoured currently was a ‘land lease’ arrangement where you buy the apartment but don’t own the land, and pay around $160 a week to maintain facilities. This arrangement would make the apartments cheaper.
Ms Talbot said she hoped the developer that wins the bid will have funding to make a small percentage of the units social housing.
