Central to the new extension, is a community place centred around the historic Gold Creek Homestead. This special place has been treasured by the community and a respectful process to uncover opportunities to enhance its value has been undertaken.
Keyton, previously Lendlease, worked closely with the Suburban Land Authority (SLA) and the local community to ensure community values are embedded within the new development. Multi-phase community engagement also helped shape the new vision for the site. Engagement invited feedback on the plans for development and captured ideas for the potential facilities, activities and partnerships that could deliver a vibrant precinct.
The Gold Creek Homestead Community and Stakeholder Panel, created by the SLA, defined five guiding themes to ensure the future place respects the sites values. You can read more about this process and the themes in the Precinct Development Brief.
Keyton, previously Lendlease, will own and operate the new retirement villas as part of the existing The Grove Ngunnawal retirement village; and will retain and manage the central precinct. Keyton is Australia’s largest owner, operator and developer of retirement villages, with more than 30 years’ experience in retirement living. We operate 76 villages throughout Australia.
Arcare has been chosen by Keyton as their partner to develop the residential aged care home. Arcare will become the future owner and operator. The proposed offerings will cover the full continuum of senior housing services, including independent living, and a new 124 bed residential aged care home providing skilled nursing and dementia care. Facilities will include a café accessible by all in the community.
Arcare, is an innovative and creative industry leader, with over 40 years’ experience and 43 5 star residences in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Arcare is committed to nurturing the well-being of residents, team members and family by fostering trust through consistency and commitment.
Within the expansive 4.8-hectare site at 1 Monty Place, Ngunnawal, a captivating central precinct awaits. Here, the cherished Gold Creek Homestead buildings and gardens will be sensitively restored and activated. The original homestead, kitchen wing, and slab hut will regain their former glory, surrounded by rejuvenated gardens and a historic windmill. The homestead stone cottage will be redesigned to reflect community preferences, serving as a versatile meeting and exhibition space. The Central Homestead Precinct will offer ample seating, open spaces for health and wellbeing activities, a bush tucker garden honouring First Nations traditions, and a yarning circle. This transformed space embodies cultural appreciation and a serene ambiance.
The landscaping plan will meticulously honour the Homestead's heritage while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding village landscape of The Grove. A careful selection of trees will be planted throughout the site, not only providing shade but also enhancing the microclimate for a more pleasant experience. Environmental and cultural preservation are paramount, as existing trees and natural features will be safeguarded whenever possible, maintaining the site's intrinsic value.
The landscaping strategy aligns with the ACT Living Infrastructure Plan, which aims to augment the urban tree canopy and foster a city resilient to climate challenges. Embracing this vision, the design incorporates a target of 30% tree canopy cover and 30% permeable surfaces, contributing to a sustainable and resilient environment.
At The Grove, safety is our number one concern. Our design promotes the security of all current and future residents, as well as the general public. Features of the new development will include accessible pathways, discrete security arrangements for the residential areas, good lighting, sightlines and a design that supports passive surveillance. A new entry drive from Monty Place will echo the alignment of the original driveway and improved traffic and pedestrian safety at Gunghalin Drive-Monty Place intersection will be undertaken.
A cross block active travel link will be provided that will be accessible by the public to connect with the surrounding travel network. Bicycle parking has been introduced in the plan close to the homestead building.
The project will generate local employment opportunities in aged care, healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors. We will seek to appoint local suppliers and community partners and provide jobs and training opportunities for First Nations people.
Keyton, previously Lendlease, have undertaken engagement with Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAO) associated with the site and have been guided by their preference in developing initiatives to bring the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the site to life including by identifying and celebrating stories. Earlier in 2023 the Development Application was approved by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD), and during the process, a Statement of Heritage Effects (SHE) was lodged in relation to the discovery of Aboriginal objects.
The SHE was approved in 2023, and the cultural objects have been respectfully salvaged from site. With this important step completed, we have been able to move forward with construction works on the balance of land outside of the salvage works area. We look forward to offering new villas for purchase later this year.
Keyton is committed to working with all stakeholders in a responsible and respectful manner, and we are honoured to have played a part in preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of this land.
Contact us at:
Phone 1800 550 550
