BlueCare Announces Purchase of Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg Retirement Villages
BlueCare is a leading not-for-profit organisation and service group of UnitingCare Queensland, which is part of the Uniting Church in Australia.
UnitingCare Queensland CEO Anne Cross said, “BlueCare is delighted to welcome the Carlyle and Argyle retirement communities into the BlueCare family.
“BlueCare has a strong presence in Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg, and these acquisitions enable us to provide the very best accommodation options and health and wellbeing service options in these regions.”
Carlyle Gardens in Townsville has 456 independent living units, extensive community facilities and a large portion of undeveloped land. Carlyle Gardens in Mackay is fully developed with extensive community facilities and 282 units. Argyle Gardens in Bundaberg is also fully developed, with 327 units and 77 serviced apartments.
In total, this acquisition will add 1,142 units to BlueCare’s retirement portfolio, with opportunities for further development.
The villages have been in receivership, most recently under KordaMentha, following the collapse of Prime Trust in 2010.
Settlement will occur in September 2016 to enable the villages to be quickly taken out of receivership. The transfer of operations to BlueCare will occur a few months later, to ensure a smooth transition for residents and staff.
“BlueCare is fortunate to be the successful purchaser of these highly-sought after villages. We hope that the announcement of the sale will foster stability and certainty for residents and staff,” Ms Cross said.
“We very much appreciate the support and collaboration that we have received from KordaMentha and village manager Lendlease throughout this transition to ensure the best outcomes for residents, staff and the local community.
In July 2016, BlueCare completed its acquisition of the 427-unit Fraser Shores Retirement Villages in Hervey Bay.
In combination, these acquisitions form a strong portfolio of retirement villages across key regions in Queensland, allowing BlueCare to offer customer choice in accommodation and services and to support them through all stages as they age.
“For the last 63 years BlueCare has supported people in more than 260 centres in 80 communities across Queensland. We continue to invest heavily in our regional and remote areas, including developing and refurbishing contemporary and modern residential aged care facilities,” Ms Cross said.
“We are also growing our services in home and community care and expanding our affordable housing for seniors through our partnership with Eureka Group.
“BlueCare is excited for the opportunity to integrate the Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg villages into our existing vibrant communities.
“Our intention is to develop a new residential aged care facility and wellness centre at Carlyle Gardens Townsville,” Ms Cross said.
This will add to BlueCare’s range of services in Townsville, including the newly completed residential aged care facility in Mt Louisa.
In Mackay, BlueCare is refurbishing its Homefield Aged Care Facility. In Bundaberg, significant refurbishment of BlueCare’s Riverlea Aged Care Facility is underway.