'Turn the Turf’ Marks Beginning of Resthaven Bellevue Heights Redevelopment

On Friday 17 September 2021, a ‘turn the turf’ ceremony was held at Resthaven Bellevue Heights at 47 Eve Road, Bellevue Heights, to officially mark the beginning of the $25m site redevelopment.

The ‘first sod’ was turned by Resthaven Deputy Board President, Ben Sarre, and Manager Residential Services, Mandy Micallef (pictured).

The ceremony was also attended by Darren Birbeck (CEO), David Norton (Executive Manager Financial Services), Tina Cooper (Executive Manager Residential & Retirement Living), Emmet O’Donovan (Manager Building & Capital Projects) and representatives from Sarah (Builder) and from Architects, Brown Falconer, Mario Dreosti and Belinda Campbell.

Emmet says, "This major transformation will provide vastly improved amenities for the 99 residents who call the site home."

The redevelopment includes the replacement of 32 rooms which were constructed in the late 1970s. These will be demolished, enabling extra landscaping and car parking (13). In addition to these new rooms, all the remaining rooms will be refurbished to achieve a consistent high quality standard across the entire home.

The redevelopment includes a purpose-built area to meet the care and support needs of 16 residents with various stages and forms of cognitive impairment.

The central entry and café area will undergo a major transformation, along with the upgrade of the Auditorium, where residents enjoy activities entertainment and special events.

A new staff room, kitchen, laundry, and associated service rooms will also be built.

Along with these internal improvements, access/egress will be improved. A separate vehicle exit point will be created, improving safety and vehicle flow.

Seven independent retirement living units, built in 1979, have already been demolished, in preparation for a new 12-place extension to the 'Correa' and 'Waratah' areas.

When the project is finalised, all accommodation will be consolidated under the one roof, making it easier for all residents to access new and improved communal areas and services.

The street appeal of the home will be greatly improved, with new fencing, landscaping and a modern rendered front.  The entrance will include a covered drop off area.

The maximum number of residents accommodated at the site will remain the same.

Much care has been taken to ensure that the new build blends into the current, natural hills environment of Resthaven Bellevue Heights, which is a wonderful feature of the home.

The Retirement Village communal meeting and activity/social area, Gum Tree Lodge, will also be upgraded, with a large undercover outdoor area with café blinds and extra storage being added.

The works will continue over a period of 24 months, and are scheduled for completion in May 2023.

Find out more about Resthaven.