Cooranbong Gardens, in the NSW Lake Macquarie region, has begun construction on its new community centre.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 21 February to mark the beginning of construction on the centre, which is beginning two years after the village opened.

Dubbed “The Pavilion”, the $5.5 million community centre (artist rendition above) will contain a café and bar; a gym with sauna; lap and hydrotherapy pools; a bowling green; a cinema; and rooms for visiting doctors, among other amenities.

Tracey Andrews, sales and marketing manager, told Newcastle Weekly that the centre – slated for completion by year’s end – will be a “big deal” for residents.

“The village has been operational for just over two years, and, like most developments, we’ve experienced our fair share of delays thanks to COVID.

“We’re now looking forward to celebrating Christmas together as a community in The Pavilion,” she said.

Billed as a boutique retirement living community set on 17 acres, Cooranbong Gardens began construction in February 2019, with its first display home opening in December of that year. Construction is proceeding in stages, with completion expected in December 2022.