There are plans for a $44 million, six-storey aged care community at Pelican Waters, which will “change the perception of aged care”.
Queensland aged care provider Rockpool has acquired a prime 6000sqm site on Pelican Waters’ new island precinct, paving the way for the state-of-the-art residential facility.
Plans for the project are before Sunshine Coast Regional Council and company CEO Melissa Argent hoped there would be approval before the end of the year.
“We are so excited to be moving to Pelican Waters,” she said.
“We feel there is some need in the area for supporting ageing in place, caring for the people who have lived and worked in Pelican Waters, who love the area and want to stay there.
“We are looking forward to creating a stunning design, immersing ourselves in the Pelican Waters community and maximising the incredible landscape on offer so close to the marina.”
The facility would accommodate 150 beds split into small, 15-bed communities over its six-storey design. The ground floor would encompass dining, café and hair salon facilities, theatre, function and consulting rooms, wellness area and speciality health services.
The project would likely generate more than 100 jobs during construction and an additional 200 ongoing local jobs once fully occupied.
General Manager of Development for Pelican Waters, Hamish Pressland, said the arrival of Rockpool was an exciting milestone.
“The developers of Pelican Waters are excited to see the next chapter in the master planned estate’s history move forward with the Rockpool residential care facility,” Mr Presland said.
“We are looking forward to having Rockpool in our development to ensure we continue to be a diverse community, offering a broad range of residential accommodation for all stages of our lives.
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“To be able to have such a premium offering of this magnitude is another way of providing a pathway for those in and around Pelican Waters to age in place and not needing to leave the area.
“The design will take advantage of the fantastic views of the many waterways in and around Pelican Waters including Bells Creek and the Pumicestone Passage not to mention the new canals recently constructed.”
Ms Argent said Rockpool would draw on its substantial industry experience to create a unique aged care environment for the southern Sunshine Coast.
“We do all our own development as well as build and operate our facilities focusing on what the consumer wants and expects including beautiful surroundings, care and culture.”
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“Everything will be done in-house, handpicking our own chefs, cleaning, laundry, care and hospitality staff. It is a full-service offering.
“There has been some negativity about the industry but we are about changing the perception of aged care. It should be a wonderful time for residents where they get the care they deserve in a state-of-the-art environment.”
Ms Argent said the initial response to the Pelican Waters development had been highly encouraging.
“Since we made the announcement, it has been great to hear the community’s response. Enquiries are starting already from people who want to move in,’’ she said.