Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2020 at 3:53:21 PM
Photo: Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale President, Michelle Rich (centre) with Byford Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Shayne Goldfinch and Baptistcare Chief Executive Officer, Russell Bricknell at the future aged-care facility site in Byford.
The purchase of a 6.7 hectare site in Byford will allow Baptistcare to create an exciting ageing in place hub in the heart the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
The proposed $78m development on Warrington Road, Byford will focus on delivering continuous, tailored services and support to local seniors as they travel the aging journey, enabling them to remain connected to the unique, semi-rural community they love.
Independent retirement living apartments and units, contemporary residential aged care and an administration centre for Baptistcare’s local Home Care services will be built around shared hospitality, respite, and health and wellness facilities.
Communal spaces and services will be open to the public and the Byford Baptist Church will build a new church and administration buildings on a one hectare portion of the land.
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale President Michelle Rich said the Shire welcomed the announcement of Baptistcare’s commitment to provide state-of-the-art aged care and independent living facilities in Byford.
“One of our Ageing Well Strategy objectives is to advocate for the provision of more accessible and affordable housing options that enable ageing-in-place,” Cr Rich said.
“The Shire looks forward to working with Baptistcare moving forward through the planning process.”
Baptistcare Chief Executive Officer, Russell Bricknell, said the innovative project supports Baptistcare’s expansion in the South Metropolitan Region and will assist the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale to meet its future population demands.
“It’s exciting to be able to plan and develop a best-practice approach to aged care support services that truly reflect local needs and aspirations,” Mr Bricknell said.
“While the bricks and mortar aspects of this development are important, it’s the collaboration with the community and the opportunity to contribute to Byford’s urban realm through clever integration that make this project a game-changer.”
Byford Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Shayne Goldfinch, said the popularity of the Sunday Service and an increasing number of community activities had seen the church outgrow its current location.
“In addition to requiring a spiritual home that can cater for the rapidly growing population of Byford and the surrounds, we hold a free weekly food market, run a school mentoring program and help out with a variety of local events,” he said.
“We are excited to team up with Baptistcare and share the same ethos for caring for others.”
Mr Bricknell said Baptistcare has commenced the creation of a design vision for the new development and will engage with key stakeholders on how to deliver optimum aged care and community outcomes for Byford.
“There are a number of planning and approval stages to work through, but we hope to have a final proposal to submit to Council in the first half of 2021,” he said.
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