Caloola Centre given the green light for renewal
In early December of 2020, BaptistCare submitted a Development Application to the City of Wagga Wagga for the renewal of our much-loved Caloola Centre.
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07 December 2020
News
| Aged Care Homes
Tuesday 1 June
In early December of 2020, BaptistCare submitted a Development Application to the City of Wagga Wagga for the renewal of our much-loved Caloola Centre.
In early April of this year, BaptistCare was excited to receive approval for this long-awaited renewal of the existing home after many years of planning. As part of this application process, our Caloola community provided valuable insights that helped inform our application process. We also appreciate the number of Caloola employees, residents, and families who came together to participate in the information sessions held in late April.
BaptistCare and the property team are also grateful for the positivity and excitement in which the local community has welcomed and embraced the redevelopment news. It is exciting times ahead for the future of Caloola.
BaptistCare received the go-ahead to build a brand new home on the same site, which will eventually replace the existing home. The home will be completed in stages so that residents can remain on-site during the construction process. Residents and staff will move across once construction is complete, ensuring that the home remains operational throughout the new build.
Melissa Noble, Caloola Residential Manager, was only too happy to share her thoughts about the renewal project.
“I am very excited about the news, and after quite a lot of planning and discussions, we are on our way to creating a new home for our residents and staff. BaptistCare has a long history in the Wagga community since 1979, and we’re excited about the future of our Caloola centre,” said Melissa Noble.
Officially opened in 1979, the redevelopment of the home is needed to ensure the best model of care is provided, with enhanced accommodation and services for residents, employees and the wider community we serve.
The new design will consist of home-like principles, 80 single resident rooms with private bathrooms, and each household will have its own family room, dining room, kitchen and multiple breakout spaces. The new café will provide a shared space for people to connect, and the home has been designed to meet the new stringent infection control benchmarks.
Caloola, well known for its green spaces, will ensure that the new home makes the best use of the land with extensive gardens, walkways and undercover outside areas for residents to enjoy.
The project is still in the next phase of design, and the property team will be engaging with an interior designer well equipped for aged care needs.
“It’s really important to hear from our Caloola residents and staff about what works and what doesn’t work for the home. This is their home, and so we want to make it as pain-free as possible throughout the construction process,” said Steven Ball, Development Director.
Construction is likely to commence in late 2021, and community consultation will continue with residents, families and staff throughout the project.
Information about the overnight Respite Cottage plans Towner House, will be communicated in due course.