RSL LifeCare breaks ground on 83-home retirement village expansion
- Sod turned: Construction starts on Stage 2 at St Quentin Place
- 83 new homes: 72 apartments and 11 townhouses planned
- $65m project: Community to grow to 103 homes
- Growing need: Canberra's over-65 population set to almost double
Four years after its first development application was lodged, a sod turning ceremony today marked the start of Stage 2 of the Not For Profit’s St Quentin Place.
The inital plan for two buildings, of four and six storeys, and 93 units, in Kaleen in Canberra’s north, had to be reduced in scope. The estimated $65 million project will see 72 independent living apartments and 11 townhouses, along with a new community hub, built at St Quentin Place, formerly known as Bullecourt Retirement Village.
Canberra-based builder Bloc is expected on site from early June, with construction forecast to take about 20 months and completion targeted for early 2028.
Stage 2 follows the completed first stage of St Quentin Place, which delivered 20 homes. Together, the two stages will bring the community to 103 homes.
The plans for Stage 2 of RSL LifeCare's St Quentin Place retirement village.
RSL LifeCare CEO Drew Pearce said the project reflected the need for more housing options for seniors and the importance of expanding well-located retirement living supply.
“This is about giving veterans and seniors more choice in where and how they live, in a part of Canberra they already know. It combines quality housing with access to care and support as needs change, adding to the range of options available for older people at a time when demand is only increasing,” Drew said.
The ACT’s population aged over 65 is projected to grow from 62,203 people in 2021 to more than 114,000 by 2060.
The final design reflects changes made through the planning process, including townhouses and lower building heights, as well as extensive landscaping across the site.
Snapshot
- Stage 1 comprises 20 completed homes;
- Stage 2 adds 83 new homes, taking the community to 103 homes;
- Estimated project value: $65 million
- Dwelling mix: 72 apartments and 11 townhouses;
- New community hub/clubhouse and shared outdoor spaces;
- Works expected to begin in June 2026, with an approximately 20-month build and completion targeted for early 2028;
- Homes designed with ageing-in-place features, secure access and lift access to apartments.
