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Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Landmark agreement secures new aged care facility in South Melbourne
A new residential aged care facility will be built in South Melbourne thanks to an agreement between the VictorianCoalition Government and a not-for-profit aged care provider.
Minister for Health and Ageing David Davis today announced that Claremont and SouthPort Aged Care Limited would develop a residential aged care facility on the site of the former St Vincent’s Boys Home.
“As Victoria’s population is rapidly ageing, we are very aware of the challenges facing older Victorians and the growing demand for aged care facilities in inner Melbourne,” Mr Davis said.
“As part of the Aged Care Land Bank initiative, the Victorian Government has signed a long term lease giving Claremont and SouthPort Aged Care Limited the go ahead to develop the prime South Melbournesite into a new aged care facility.
“This agreement will ensure older people living in South Melbourne will have access to modern, residential aged care facilities, close to family and friends in their local community.”
Both Claremont Homeand SouthPort Community Residential Home have a long history of providing aged care services in South Melbourne and between them operate 56 low and 65 high care residential aged care beds.
The City of Port Phillip will also contribute $3 million to Claremont and SouthPort Aged Care Limited to establish the new facility.
The former St Vincent's Boys' Orphanage is of historical significance, it is the first purpose built Catholic Orphanage to be established in Victoria, and is therefore one of the oldest remaining orphanage buildings in Victoria.
The historic main building fronting Cecil Street is currently being developed by MacKillop Family Services and will not form part of the new aged care facility.
Mr Davis said the Baillieu Coalition Government is continuing to expand the Aged Care Land Bank to address the shortage of residential aged care facilities in inner-suburban areas.
“The Victorian Coalition Governmentcommitted a further $2 million boost in the 2011 State Budget for the Aged Care Land Bank to retain even more land for future aged care facilities,” Mr Davis said.
Media contact:Kathryn McFarlane 0419 850 201