Pepperfield Lifestyle Resort Bowral proposes $30m development to expand village

A prestigious retirement village in the Southern Highlands is planning to expand, with visions of a $30 million upgrade to meet the region’s ageing population.

A prestigious retirement village in East Bowral is planning to expand its offerings with the $30 million addition of 81 independent living units, citing “high demand” from retirees.

Pepperfield Lifestyle Resort Bowral, located on Wiseman Rd in East Bowral, has lodged a development application with the Wingecarribee Shire Council to drastically increase its size.

The DA proposes to consolidate two lots to create an area of more than 12 hectares on which Pepperfield would create 81 two bedroom units in 45 buildings. In total, the development would create 162 bedrooms for retirees and cost an estimated $30.4 million.

Pepper field Lifestyle Resort Bowral is seeking approval for 81 independent retirement living units to add to the 87 existing houses.

There are currently 76 homes in the village, with 11 more soon to be completed. The development represents an increase of more than half the current village capacity, which the application states is necessary “to meet current and future demand for high quality seniors living accommodation”.

A spokesman for Pepperfield said there is already a waitlist for retirees who want to move into the village.

“There is a high demand for the type of retirement living that Pepperfield offers,” he said.

“As soon as something becomes available, we have a buyer for it.”

The company website touts Pepperfield as an exclusive and “discerning residential community” for a “fortunate few” with “only” 87 homes, but this development application will increase the offering to 137 homes.

An artist’s impression of the new $30 million development at Pepper field Lifestyle Resort Bowral.

While there are already two communal buildings where residents can congregate, the DA also outlines a plan to create another community centre to align with the new units. The spokesman for Pepperfield said the village hopes to have the new units available to residents within a couple of years.

“All being well, depending on how things go with council and approvals, it could be some time possibly in 2023,” he said.

Population projections from the NSW Government reveal half the Southern Highlands population will be retirement aged in 2041. This figure highlights the importance of establishing comfortable and affordable housing for elderly people in the region.

The proposed development of Pepperfield comes soon after the rejection of two substantial plans for seniors housing residences in Bundanoon and Bowral. Both were multimillion dollar projects with interested residents.

Pepper field Lifestyle Resort Bowral is seeking to add 81 independent living units to the village. Picture: Facebook

The developer and owner of the Bundanoon site, Brent Marvin, said the decision to refuse the application to develop the site was “disgraceful”. He said residents in the area are desperate for housing to suit their ageing needs.

“We’ve had people pass away while they were waiting for housing,” he said.

As for the Pepper field Resort extension, the plans will be on exhibition until September 24 for public comment.