The Henley on Broadwater, a vertical retirement village in Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast, is expanding its private aged care offering from 12 to 21 suites in response to growing internal demand. 

Originally opened as The Grande Pacific, Australia’s first luxury vertical village, the development was acquired in 2014 by owner-operator Patrick Smith, who rebranded it as The Henley with a vision to support residents to age in place. 

While the 12 original assisted living suites were intended to generate revenue by serving external clients – offsetting the cost of providing 24-hour staffing – Patrick says demand is now being driven from within the community itself, as residents increasingly seek higher levels of support without leaving their home. 

“We had a waiting list from within the community for suites, and I was genuinely concerned we wouldn’t be able to meet the demand. In fact, we couldn’t,” Patrick told The Weekly SOURCE. 

“There was a significant risk that residents would need to leave our environment. And while our apartments are magnificent, the ability to remain in your own home – with your pet, living independently, and even receiving palliative care there – is incredibly important. That’s something we’re proud to offer.” 

The redevelopment went to the 120 residents for a vote, with unanimous support for the plan. 

The nine new suites were created by converting a floor of seven independent units above the existing aged care floor. Ranging in size from 20m² up to 71m², each suite features north-facing balconies and radar-based monitoring technology.  

With one suite to be retained for residents as respite, the upgrade by Aura Facilities is due to open on 2 June. 

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