Situated opposite one of Sydney’s most iconic and historic parks, and within walking distance to the city’s leading health precinct, the Uniting Westmead project will arguably become one of Australia’s healthiest places to retire.
The Uniting Westmead project is a new 2.34 hectare retirement living development near Parramatta in Sydney’s west.
The first stage of the project, which is currently under construction, will include 70 independent living units, a new 114-bed residential aged care facility and a range of new indoor and outdoor community facilities.
Parks, hospitals and public transport close by
The Uniting Westmead project is well-located alongside the vast 85 hectare expanse of World Heritage-listed Parramatta Park.
This will allow future residents to simply cross the road to begin a healthy stroll or cycle through open green spaces, or to access historic sites, event venues and cafes.
What’s more, residents can walk through the quiet residential area which surrounds the Uniting Westmead project to easily access the Westmead health and education precinct.
This precinct is currently home to Westmead Hospital, which is the principal referral hospital for Western Sydney.
The precinct is also undergoing a major transformation, with more than $3 billion committed by government, universities and the private sector to upgrade and expand health, education and medical research facilities.
This means that future residents of the Uniting Westmead project will have access to an even broader number of health services and medical specialists.
In addition, the Westmead precinct will, by 2023, be serviced by a new light rail line which links to the Parramatta CBD and Carlingford.
This represents another health-related benefit, because future residents of the Uniting Westmead project will be able to explore their local area, without needing to jump into a car.
Healthy apartments and facilities
The existing and emerging healthy living attractions around the precinct are also matched by the Uniting Westmead project’s design and on-site facilities, which will support resident wellbeing.
For instance, the project’s apartments have generously-sized windows which will be orientated to maximise sunlight and natural ventilation.
These apartments will also have spacious balconies so residents can sit outside in the fresh air and enjoy spectacular district and parkland views.
The physical, social and emotional wellbeing of future residents will also be supported by the project’s community hub. This hub will include a village cafe, hair and beauty salon, chapel, club room, library, seniors’ gym and consulting room for health professionals.
According to Graeme Fielden, a Uniting senior development manager, the seniors’ gym is expected to be very popular among residents.
“The seniors’ gyms are a feature of all our new major campus-style development sites,” Mr Fielden said. “The ones we’ve done recently have been very well-received.”
“These gyms are a unique service offering, they basically provide a tailored wellness plan by university-trained exercise physiologists, along with access to seniors-specific smart technology exercise equipment which has been imported from Finland.”
imported smart technology equipment
Another unique feature of the Uniting Westmead project will be its on-site early learning centre, which will have space for 75 children. This is the first time such a facility will be placed within a Uniting retirement living project.
Research has found there are clear physical and mental health benefits to older Australians arising from interaction with young children, particularly when the children are regularly based where the older people are living. The early learning centre will allow, for instance, grandparents to be able to spend more time with their beloved grandchildren.
When it comes to external facilities, the grounds of Uniting Westmead will offer places to gather and spaces to retreat, including a village green which can be either a meeting spot or a place for a quiet daydream in the sun.
Care services at hand
Residents who need additional support around the home will be able to access Uniting’s assisted living services including personal care, medication administration, laundry/cleaning and lunch and dinner preparation.
Three assisted living support plans are now available for Uniting Westmead residents. All plans include monthly health checks.
Uniting Westmead’s independent living units will also be located alongside a new dedicated residential aged care facility, allowing residents to age-in-place as their care needs increase.
“There is a lot of evidence out there as to what is best practice design for seniors and what makes a healthy environment for residents, and I think this is what we have delivered at this project,” Mr Fielden said.
“Our design philosophy is about promoting connections with the broader community and maintaining independence.”
Construction finishing this year
A range of one, two and three bedroom apartments are currently on offer at Uniting Westmead, with prices starting at $565,000.
Apart from their high-quality finishes, the apartments also feature a flowing and functional layout, with threshold-level flooring throughout to reduce trip hazards.
Construction of the first stage of the Uniting Westmead project is due to be completed by the end of 2020.
“Buyers have a fantastic chance to get into this project before everyone knows the secret of Westmead and what it is becoming,” Mr Fielden said.
With 100 years of experience providing accommodation and care for older Australians, you’re in expert hands with Uniting. For more information about the Uniting Westmead project, including to make an enquiry, please click here.
(Please note that a departure fee will apply when you leave the village)
