Construction has officially commenced on Stage Two of Uniting Edinglassie Emu Plains, a $99 million redevelopment in Sydney’s west, with a sod-turning ceremony attended by Uniting NSW.ACT CEO Tracey Burton.

The event marked the start of building works on 147 new independent living apartments, adding to the 100 residential aged care places already on the site, 58km west of the CBD.

Uniting Edinglassie’s original retirement village and nursing home was first established on the site in 1979 by the Uniting Church.

Building a vibrant seniors’ community

“Stage 2 of this project will see 147 independent living apartments built, creating a vibrant seniors’ community alongside the 100 residential aged care places already on site – where residents can continue living life their way, with the support they need to stay healthy, active and socially connected,” said Simon Furness, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Director, Property and Housing.

The Development Application for the independent living village was approved in May 2024. Construction, in partnership with builder Growthbuilt, is now underway and expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.

Affordable housing and shared amenities

Of the 147 apartments, 43 (29%) will be made available as affordable housing for seniors, reinforcing Uniting’s commitment to social impact.

A new clubroom will be built for retirement living residents, who will also share a range of amenities with the adjacent aged care home, creating a true ageing-in-place precinct.

The residential aged care home was completed in 2021 and went on to win the 2022 UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in the Residential Aged Care category.