Lutheran Aged Care's Dellacourt facility is set to receive a multi-million dollar facelift, in what the managing director describes as a "positive step" for aged care on the Border.
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Builder Hansen Yuncken signed a three-and-a-half year redevelopment contract with the aged care provider on Thursday which will deliver an overhaul of the 40 dementia support units, a new community hub, administration space and new cafe.
Lutheran Aged Care managing director Wendy Rocks said the 40 beds are part of the original building.
"They have been there a long time, they have been upgraded over the years but they have really reached the end of their life.
"We have been planning for about nine years to bring this to fruition and we are thrilled we will be able to rebuild those 40 beds in the current Dellacourt campus footprint."
Hansen Yunken regional manager Jason Cox said the construction will begin in just over a month.
"It will be completed in eight stages over that three-and-a-half year time period," he said.
"I think the really important thing for us is that we will use all local contractors.
"We are looking at around 200 local trades for this redevelopment and that is really important to us.
"This is a great project for the community and Hansen Yunken has been apart of that community for a long time now."
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The new front of house community hub will include new facilities for allied health, gym and therapy, a chapel, multi-purpose hall, visitor and respite short stay accommodation and a hair salon.
Ms Rocks said she understood the aged care sector has been in the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic and said Lutheran Aged Care continues to have the safety of residents, visitors and staff as their priority.
"There has been a lot of extra work around being COVID safe for this redevelopment to go ahead," she said.
"I think this project is not only really positive for the community, with the employment opportunities, but also for aged care sector - I think we need signs of hope going forward and this is one of those signs.
"This redevelopment is definitely that beacon of hope for aged care in the community.
"It will create a safe and modern facility for our aged care residents - something loved ones can be confident in." Both Hansen Yunken and Lutheran Aged Care have extensive COVID safe plans in place.
"We have been working together to ensure all the extra safety precautions are in place during the redevelopment," Ms Rocks said.
