The Banksia development at Garden Village reaches new heights

Representatives and dignitaries joined construction company BESIX Watpac and the Garden Village community at a "topping out ceremony" on Wednesday [November 10] to mark the highest point in construction of The Banksia development.

The roof completes the initial build of the three-storey 35 apartment premium retirement living complex by BESIX Watpac.

The next stage is the start of the facade installation and internal fit-outs.

Garden Village chief executive officer Craig Wearne said the building would enhance seniors' wellbeing and lifestyle, not only through the design and environment, but once they moved in, there was no need to move out.

"Everybody wants to stay in their own homes, and this type of development, particularly a vertical retirement living space, easily provides a comfortable, contemporary living environment."

The project received a $5.2 million injection from the federal government's Building Better Regions Fund.

The fund supports the federal government's commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.

"This project has already provided over 72,000 hours of work for people and pushed $12 million through the economy," Mr Wearne said.

"That is absolutely fantastic for the community."

Cowper MP Pat Conaghan acknowledged the federal government funding towards the project.

"It is part of the federal government's policy to increase the number of aged care facilities in addition to increasing the funding for home care as well," he said.

Mr Conaghan said the development would provide additional high quality residences at Garden Village.

BESIX Watpac northern NSW regional manager Amos Frankel said while there had been challenges on the project during the pandemic, it had been a really exceptional effort from the Garden Village and BESIX Watpac teams to get the project to this significant milestone.

There is an average of 60 workers on site daily and that number will increase to 80 as the development nears completion.

"It has been a good opportunity for us to once again partner with Garden Village, noting we worked together on the Cascades development, and are really humbled to be afforded the opportunity to partner with them again," Mr Frankel said.

The contemporary apartments will boost retirement living options in the Hastings at a time when demand for property is at an all-time high.

The apartments are set to be complete by May 2022.

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