Barossa Village eyes off major development with funding application

South Australian retirement and aged care service provider Barossa Village has officially submitted its Heritage Park Precinct Project into the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) – Stream One funding application. 

With a focus on ageing in place and consumer-directed care, the project envisions the development of 100 new mixed housing options for older people in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley. 

The Heritage Park Precinct is planned to be a vibrant hub that caters to residents while embracing modern home care offerings under Support at Home. Barossa Village says it will set a new benchmark for aged care focusing on innovation, community integration, and sustainability.

The 10-hectare precinct will include 3.5 hectares of greenfield space, blending existing residential areas with a large parcel of undeveloped land. It will also share a boundary with Nuriootpa Primary School, incorporate the current Barossa Village site and keep residents a stone’s throw away from the town centre. 

Ben Hall, Barossa Village CEO, highlighted the importance of the project as he said, “We are excited to collaborate with our partners on the Heritage Park Precinct Project, a significant step forward for Nuriootpa, that highlights the synergy among our partners. 

“With over 60 years of service, Barossa Village continues to embody a ‘Community Caring for Community’ approach. This innovative project has the potential to meet the growing and evolving needs our aging population whilst also foster a vibrant, multi-generational environment. 

“We are thrilled about the potential to create a space where individuals can thrive, connect, and belong.”

The rPPP is a $400 million Government-funded program that will help support transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia. 

Between $500,000 and $5 million will be available for master planning, consultation, design, business cases and partnership establishment in Stream One. Stream Two will offer between $5 million and $50 million to deliver one or more elements of a precinct, such as roads, pathways or buildings. 

Barossa Village said the development will drive economic growth in the region, offering employment opportunities and innovative solutions to the growing housing needs while fostering intergenerational connections.

“As a community-owned organisation, the Barossa Co-Op is committed to supporting initiatives like the Heritage Park Precinct, perfectly aligning with our vision for a sustainable economic and lifestyle future in the Barossa Valley,” Cathy Main, Barossa Co-Op CEO explained

“As one of the largest employers in the region, we recognise the importance of strengthening our community’s spirit and resilience. We are excited to contribute our expertise to the success of the Heritage Park Precinct, both during its development and after its completion.” 

The Barossa Council has already invested in the project and will continue to partner with Barossa Village throughout the upcoming stages. Barossa Mayor Bim Lange said they are committed to ongoing collaboration. 

“It’s exciting to see Barossa Village, a private sector, not-for-profit organisation, take the initiative in developing the Heritage Park Precinct,” Mayor Lange said.

“We look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership to achieve meaningful community, socially inclusive and economic outcomes. We are committed to ongoing collaboration, ensuring this development brings lasting benefits to the region.”