The Mark Moran Group has confirmed buying up more than a dozen properties in the new Caringbah medical precinct and says a “state of the art” aged care and retirement village could be opened in as little as two years.
The group says it will introduce a new model of “continuum care” for seniors, in which services are provided in the home for as long as possible and then in the independent and assisted living components of the proposed development.
Chief executive officer Cameron Kirby said the group had acquired six properties in a line (319-329) on Taren Point Road and five lots immediately behind in Hinkler Avenue.
Mr Kirby said negoitiations were being conducted for the remaining property in the block, owned by the Department of Housing, and two more properties could potentially be added.
The Leader revealed a fortnight ago industry sources believed the Mark Moran Group was targeting the development precinct between the shopping strip and Sutherland Hospital.
Bonus building heights and floor space ratios are available for developments which include medical facilities at low levels and apartments above.
Mark Moran formed the group which bears his name after running the Moran Healthcare Group, founded by his father Doug, from 2001 to 2011.
Mr Kirby said the group was “a globally recognised, multi-award winning leader in seniors living and care”.
“Unfortunately, society tends to think of retirement villages and aged care facilities as ‘God’s waiting room’, whereas we’re about celebrating life at all ages and creating a vibrant community,” he said.
“We want our members to live their life as they always have, as independently as possible and we provide support and care as required to facilitate their lifestyle.
“Our continuum of care means that our members never have to leave.
“We see ourselves as an extension of the community and we’re keen to get involved in local community initiatives.”
Mr Kirby said the group would work closely with Sutherland Shire Council and the community “to understand the community’s needs and aspirations in order provide the types of services that they want”.
“We’ve already started talking to key people at Sutherland Hospital and will engage more broadly with the community though information events, surveys and high teas,” he said.
“Subject to council approval we want to bring a world class product to Caringbah.
Mr Kirby said they were hoping to open the development in two years to two-and-a-half years.
Meanwhile, expressions of interest closed on August 31 for another major development site in the precinct, which was promoted as ideal for a “boutique” aged care facility.
The 2300 square metre site is an amalgamation of four old home sites at the corner of Kingsway and Hinkler Avenue, adjoining Sutherland Hospital.
Marketing agents Matrix Property Group and Colliers International predicted the land parcel would attract both aged care and residential developers.
Architectural plans for a “boutique aged care facility” with at least 72 beds were prepared by Marchese Partners.
