New look for Brodribb
Cinema and gym part of extension
A MAJOR extension to Queensland’s oldest nursing home will be unlike anything that Toowoomba has seen before in aged care.
That’s according to Brodribb Home’s CEO Pam Chipperfield, as the 119-year-old centre prepares to add a massive lifestyle and recreation section to its facility.
Brodribb Home, which has been a Toowoomba institution since 1898, lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council this week to demolish two of its oldest wings in favour of a two-storey extension.
If approved, the new “Maple Wing” would feature a new multi-function centre, diversional therapy, staff amenities, chapel, cinema, beauty salon, gym, library and electrical services.
Ms Chipperfield, who has been in the head role for 38 years, said it was part of the charity organisation’s plan to appeal to the next generation of retirees.
“We’re knocking down the two oldest wings and building something that Toowoomba will not have seen before,” she said.
“Having been here so long, we’ve always changed to know what that incoming generation is looking for.
“This baby boomer generation is used to eating out and having fun.
“It’s essential that people don’t come and get told, ‘here’s your room’.”
Ms Chipperfield said the extension was the latest part of a massive redevelopment that started nine years ago.
“This is coming down the home straight,” she said.
“It’s been a lot of planning, we’ve done new wings, redone old wings and this is the central area that brings it all together.”
Expansion is not new to the Brodribb Home, which has slowly grown to take up the entire neighbourhood block bordering Goggs, Kenric, Brodribb and Herries Sts.
The charity offers aged care, retirement living and home care as part of its services.