A Western Sydney retirement living project named after a famous rugby league hooker has been named the best retirement living project in NSW.
Penrith’s The Royce has been named winner of the retirement living category at the 2021 UDIA NSW Crown Group Awards for Excellence.
Developed by Tulich Family Communities in conjunction with architects Calder Flower, The Royce opened in 2019 and contains 130 retirement living units and 128 aged care beds.
The six-storey apartment project is located on Mulgoa Rd, on a former section of the Panthers rugby league club.
It’s named after former premiership-winning Penrith hooker Royce Simmons, who also lives at the project (and is its ambassador).
Tulich Director Bianca Tulich said she was surprised and delighted at the award.
“We’ve worked very hard to ensure The Royce integrates with the local community and were happy to see the award judges recognised this,” she said.
“For instance, our cafe is open to the public and has an internationally-known chef, Ross Dobson.
“We’ve also got our own hair and beauty salon by a local lady who is well known in the community, and that’s also open to members of the public.”
Ms Tulich said a central courtyard, with its own orchard and gardening club, was another key design feature, along with the fact that residents could access both independent living and care apartments in the one location.
