Molonglo Valley set to welcome first seniors' community

Canberra’s newest region, Molonglo Valley, has secured its first seniors’ community.

Denman Prospect developers Capital Airport Group and retirement living developers IRT have reached an agreement to deliver the community.

It will be built on a 1.215-hectare site and feature about 130 independent living units and 90 care suites, an integrated childcare centre, and a hospitality and retail area accessible to the wider community.

Capital Airport Group will deliver about 3200 dwellings to Molonglo Valley. The group first acquired the tender to develop stage one of Denman Prospect in 2015. In 2017 the group purchased the second stage.

Capital Airport Group managing director Stephen Byron said it had been looking for a “high-calibre partner” to develop the site.

“IRT is known for providing seniors with the best care at the right time. Denman Prospect is a unique offering and IRT’s development will create a one-of-a-kind facility for Canberra and Molonglo Valley,” he said.

“We want Denman Prospect to be part of creating the best solution for families who want to keep their parents close by.” 

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A collaborative approach to the design will be undertaken, with future residents and other stakeholders invited to co-design features, such as communal areas and neighbourhood precincts.

“With a strong focus on community and social sustainability our vision for the precinct is to feature shared communal areas that will enable residents to foster strong social connections with their broader neighbourhood, and encourage interaction across generations,” Mr Reid said.

“The use of high-quality materials and sustainable, energy-efficient design principles will deliver operational cost savings that will flow on to residents and minimise their ongoing daily living expenses.”

IRT also developed Kangara Waters – a senior community in Belconnen, which features a range of facilities including a cafe, a wellness and therapy centre, a hairdresser and gift shop.

Detailed planning for the development is expected to start in the coming months.