Who are Canberra University’s intergenerational partners?
“It will create a benchmark for intergenerational living on university campuses, one which I hope will be replicated across the country in years to come.”
The University of Canberra has confirmed its partners for the ACT’s first university-based intergenerational retirement community, almost a decade after the concept was first floated in 2016.
Under a 100-year land lease on the University’s Bruce campus, retirement living developer Pariter and Australia’s private residential aged care operator Opal HealthCare will deliver:
- 230 independent living units;
- a 180-bed residential aged care community;
- community wellness facilities; and
- an extension to UC’s existing health precinct.
The new village will sit alongside the UC Hospital and UC Health Hub, helping to bring the UC Campus Masterplan Health Neighbourhood to life.
“This project will create a living and learning environment where older Australians can stay engaged, active, and connected – not only with health services, but with ideas, students, and the vibrant university campus life,” Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra, Bill Shorten, said.
The three-way collaboration is expected to unlock a range of educational and research opportunities, including joint employment programs, student placements locally and nationally, aged care and retirement living research, and co-designed learning programs.
“It will create a benchmark for intergenerational living on university campuses, one which I hope will be replicated across the country in years to come,” he added.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the partnership marked “a significant moment for the University of Canberra and our city more broadly.”
Pariter, the retirement living development platform launched by global investment firm Plenary, is also behind the $160 million Salus Cumberland project at Cumberland Golf Club, Watermark Residences at Newgreens Chatswood, 10km north of the Sydney CBD, and a proposed retirement precinct at Tumbi Umbi on the NSW Central Coast with Mingara Leisure Group.