$31K aged care development, with chapel, cafe and gym set to address need in Maitland

A $31 million development proposal for a new aged-care facility in the Hunter Valley will have give residents plenty of reasons to smile with its impressive list of features.

The proposed aged-care facility at Morpeth.

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A state-of-the-art multi-million dollar proposal for an aged care facility at Morpeth will deliver modern services for local residents, with plenty of perks.

The $31 million development application includes the construction of 108 resident places at the Closeborne House site on Morpeth Rd.

The proposal was originally lodged by applicant Catholic Healthcare with Maitland Council in 2018, before heading to the Joint Regional Planning Panel for consideration.

It features a range of shared facilities including a chapel, cafe, health and wellness centre and gym, home care hub and other activity and lifestyle space.

The facility will be intergrated into the Closebourne House site on Morpeth Rd.

It will see the reuse and conservation of Closebourne and Arkell House.

The project is set to address the much-needed aged care services in Morpeth and surrounds, which has a growing ageing population.

“Our project will create more jobs for the sector and within the community,” a Catholic healthcare spokesperson said.

“Our current services are highly integrated into the local community and embody a community spirit.

“We understand the importance of maintaining this sense of community and are committed to enriching the lives of older people, and as a direct result, those around them.

The facility will include plenty of perks for residents if approved.

“We place upmost importance on the overall happiness of our residents and the surrounding communities.”

The development has already had an exhibition period, which has now closed, and will await the Joint Regional Planning Panel for its decision.

Subject to adequate protections to areas of heritage significance, I’d welcome this important facility for the aged in our community,” Maitland Deputy Mayor Philip Penfold said.

“This stage of the development was originally flagged in the masterplan for the site.”