Regional aged care facility set for revival through major redevelopment

As aged care providers across Australia grapple with ageing infrastructure and increasing demand for services, a regional NSW facility is demonstrating how existing assets can be revitalised to support future care needs without starting from scratch.

Coverite Projects in partnership with Stroud Community Care Pty Ltd is delivering the refurbishment and modernisation of Bulahdelah Community Lodge, an aged care facility in Bulahdelah that closed in 2022 and is now set to be brought back into service following a successful funding application and redevelopment program.

The project will transform the facility into a contemporary aged care environment designed to better support residents, staff and the broader community while restoring an essential local service, showing how providers can unlock value from existing assets.

According to Coverite Projects head of strategy and partnerships and director Peter Davy, projects like Bulahdelah Community Lodge reflect a growing trend across the aged care sector as providers seek to modernise existing facilities and maximise the value of existing infrastructure.

“Regional communities deserve access to high-quality aged care facilities close to home, but many aged care providers are facing the challenge of ageing infrastructure at a time when demand for services continues to grow,” Mr Davy said.

“The reality is that there is often significant value locked within existing facilities and sites. Rather than starting from scratch, providers are increasingly looking at how they can modernise, expand and repurpose existing assets to improve resident outcomes and increase capacity.

“Projects like Bulahdelah Community Lodge demonstrate how thoughtful planning, design and construction can breathe new life into important community infrastructure while preserving the connections residents have to their local area.”

Stroud Community Care Pty Ltd chairperson, Karen Hutchinson says the redevelopment of Bulahdelah Community Lodge marks an important step forward in strengthening aged care services in the region.

“The project is about restoring local access to quality care, providing a modern environment and ensuring older members of our community can remain connected to the people and places they know. We are committed to creating an environment that meets the needs of today's residents while supporting the long-term sustainability of aged care services in the region." 

Coverite Projects design manager and nominated architect, Megan Eiman believes refurbishment projects present a unique opportunity to improve both resident experience and operational outcomes.

“We believe great aged care design is about more than upgrading a building, it’s about creating places that feel welcoming, dignified and connected, where people can feel truly at home,” she said.