Sawtell Catholic Care plans $24M expansion with 28 independent living units

An expansion is being planned for a long-established retirement village in Coffs Harbour, with a new development proposal lodged in Toormina.

The Catholic Parish of Mary Help of Christians Sawtell – Catholic Care of the Aged has applied to the City of Coffs Harbour to construct two buildings for independent living.

Sawtell Catholic Care, founded in 1992, currently operates 15 independent living units as stage one of Marian Grove retirement village in Toormina, a suburb of Coffs Harbour.

The organisation has since expanded significantly and now comprises 231 independent living villas, units and apartments within Marian Grove, as well as the 101-bed Mater Christi residential care facility. The site also includes Our Lady of the Way Chapel, The Grove Café, and a recreation hall and workshop.

The latest proposal includes a three-storey building with 16 independent living units and a two-storey building with a further 12 units, aimed at meeting demand driven by an ageing population.

The estimated cost of delivering the 28 additional units across the two buildings is $24.1 million.