Aidacare begins new chapter after multimillion-dollar transformation in West End

A Townsville building with former lives as a Coca-Cola factory, second-hand car yard, and a tyre dealership, has begun a new chapter supporting people with mobility issues. See where it is.

Aidacare manager Tamara Keller at the news premises in Ingham Road. Picture: Evan Morgan

After former lives as a Coca-Cola factory, second-hand car yard, and a tyre dealership, a historic Townsville building has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation to begin a new chapter supporting people with mobility issues.

Boasting over 90 stores nationwide since its founding in 1987, Aidacare is one of Australia’s leading and most diverse healthcare equipment and service providers, with their local business operating at 1/178 Hugh St, Currajong for the past six years.

The business is a must visit destination for people of all ages needing assistance getting around and living independently, offering a wide range products ranging from standard wheelie walkers to custom-made wheelchairs, through to a lifting range, bathroom equipment, cushions, and beds.

Constrained by limited storage, showroom, and parking space, Aidacare Townsville manager Tamara Keller said they signed a lease 18 months ago at 103-105 Ingham Road, West End.

Veteran hospitality businessman Greg Pellegrini said he turned his hand to property development after purchasing the building, which had stood empty for 18 months.

Aidacare manager Tamara Keller at the news premises in Ingham Road. Picture: Evan Morgan

Local businessman Greg Pellegrini.

He carried out extensive upgrades to bring new life to the aged complex, creating a 500 sqm retail area, 600 sqm warehouse, 600 sqm of all-weather parking, and a refurbished former-managers residence.

Speaking after Aidacare Townsville celebrated its grand reopening earlier this month, Ms Keller said she was grateful for the work done to essentially rebuild the building “from the ground up”.

Nearly four times the size as their Hugh St location, she said their spacious new location provided easier access, more space to shop around, and plentiful parking for their clients.

“Being able to manoeuvre around the store is really important for our clients, most of them are in wheelchairs or have walking aids of some sort,” Ms Keller said.

Aidacare manager Tamara Keller at the news premises in Ingham Road. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Having the space to spread out and still be able to safely manoeuvre around and proximity to the doors from the car park and all that sort of stuff, it’s been amazing feedback (from our customers).”

She encouraged residents to come in and see what products were available to make their lives easier.

“We have an extensive range on the showroom floor. and are always happy to have a chat. You never know what there is out there to help you until you go in and have a look.”

For more information, visit: www.aidacare.com.au

Originally published as Aidacare begins new chapter after multimillion-dollar transformation in West End