The key works in the proposed makeover of the facility include demolition of the northern Arrunga campus buildings and consolidation of all residential care beds into a single and enlarged Dellacourt and Alkira building and construct new administrative and communal areas.

Residential care facilities are presently spread between the Dellacourt, Alkira and individual Cedar, Waratah, Wattle and Kurrajong cottages, which are known collectively as Arrunga and presently considered largely disconnected and inefficient in their operation.

IN OTHER NEWS

The development application prepared by Habitat Planning on behalf of Lutheran Aged Care said the project aimed to reconfigure the facility and consolidate all residential care beds within an integrated main building.

"The Dellacourt and Alkira buildings will have partial internal and external demolition, enabling internal alterations and additions to provide new accommodation rooms and improved internal circulation," the application states.

"Back-of-house facilities will be retained at the Dellacourt building and reconfigured around a single access point at Nicholson Place.

"The proposed works represent a substantial investment by Lutheran Aged Care in improving and refreshing their residential care facilities and provide a more efficient internal layout."

Also included in the revamped northern buildings will be visitor arrival areas, cafe, hair salon, multi-purpose hall, health and therapy rooms.

The proposed development will be completed in stages to reduce impact on existing residents and the 40 residential care beds removed from Arrunga are to be established within the Dellacourt and Alkira buildings.

New beds are to be established within the existing footprint and small additions at the end of wings or new linking sections between the two buildings.

Works also include the construction of sitting rooms, nursing rooms and other office space and nurse stations.

Staff parking will be upgraded with a new 23-space off-street parking area.

It will be accessible from O'Brien Court.

The Dellacourt site is the largest of Lutheran Aged Care's facilities and accommodates 122 residents.

The first Lutheran rest home was built in Riverview Terrace in 1960.

In 2003, Albury Council entered into a development agreement with the Lutheran Church of Australia Property Trust for a parcel of land which now comprises the subject site and adjacent Nicholson Place.

The deal was conditional on the creation of a park at the end of Nicholson Place, open space and walkways within the site.

Lutheran Aged Care's plans are on public exhibition until August 28 with no date set for determination.

It also has aged care facilities located in Wodonga, Wagga and Corowa.