Local purchase helps Barossa Village unlock project’s full potential

Barossa Village has unlocked the full potential of underdeveloped, landlocked blocks that housed dated homes, purchasing a new property to help build five independent living units.

With a 121-bed residential care facility in the South Australian town of Nuriootpa and almost 200 independent living units in the Barossa Valley region, this project is part of their plan to move away from traditional retirement village layouts. 

“Those buildings served their purpose, but they don’t serve for the future. We design homes for maximum functionality and features, being mindful of the potential future needs of our community,” Carl Helbig, Barossa Village Maintenance Manager, said.

“We move away from the conventional idea of retirement villages as gated communities. Instead, we create homes that emphasise community integration and easy access.”

Their existing property on Kokoda Road featured an expansive footprint, but much of it was landlocked. Likewise, the adjacent property on Buna Terrace featured plenty of space with an older home. 

And so, they purchased the second property, to transform previously underdeveloped and landlocked blocks into modern, right-sized homes. It also saw the total block of land grow to 2,400 square metres, including a previously inaccessible 300 square metre block.

Existing tenants were relocated to newer, more comfortable homes. 

“Barossa Village took the courageous step to acquire the 10 Buna Terrace property to unlock a small portion of land already in its ownership that was otherwise landlocked and create the potential to develop additional Independent Living Units to respond to the rising demand in our community,” Ben Hall, Barossa Village CEO, said.

“Barossa Village is extending its community-integrated independent living style in this development, allowing communities to truly connect and grow.”

The new homes, designed in collaboration with GJ Gardner Homes – Barossa Valley, will feature two or three bedrooms, carports, garden spaces, and a private access road. Each home will have its own address and unique features, providing a personalised living experience. 

They are designed to be distinct to help residents maintain their identity within the community. Functionality and future needs are at the core of each home, promoting accessibility alongside community integration. 

There is an additional environmental sustainability focus to the project. Nearly everything collected during the demolition will be recycled and reused, saving resources and reducing waste. Old bricks will be crushed into rubble for new surfacing components, while bricks, stones, and other masonry may be reused in landscaping or construction projects.

The homes are currently under construction.