Jobs boost with facility
QUEENSLAND aged care provider PresCare is starting development on a $ 30 million Townsville facility, bringing hundreds of jobs to the region.
PresCare has formed a partnership with Catalyst Health REIT to deliver the 140- bed residential aged care facility in Angus Smith Drive, Douglas.
The partnership with Catalyst will ensure construction begins immediately on a project which will employ up to 130 people in its building phase.
More than 150 people will work in the facility after its completion in early 2019.
PresCare kickstarted the project in 2015 when it bought an 8000 sqm block minutes from Townsville Hospital.
PresCare chief executive officer Greg Skelton said the facility would play a crucial role in the community. “We will have room for 140 residents including 20 beds for clients with dementia,” he said..
“PresCare has been looking after older Queenslanders for almost 90 years and we’re excited about this new facility.
“We know a lot of older Australians know the benefits of living in North Queensland so it’s important that these facilities can help to cater for them.”
The project will be built by Woollam Constructions.
“Woollam Constructions understand PresCare’s vision and values.
“We know they will help ensure this facility meets the needs of the Townsville region,” Mr Skelton said.
The Townsville community will be getting the highest quality care in modern, purpose- built accommodation.
The facility will also have a hairdressing salon and a rooftop cafe for residents, friends and family that will provide views across Townsville.
A ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland, PresCare provides residential and in- home community care, respite and dementia services, day therapy, pastoral care and social programs.
The organisation’s complementary brands, Contented Chef, a high- quality packaged food delivery service, and Walk on Wheels, a comprehensive line of mobility products, will be engaged to provide ongoing services and jobs into the facility.
Catalyst Health REIT is a specialist property fund developed to specifically partner with residential aged care operators to deliver high- quality projects. TOWNSVILLE retailer Health 4 Life Nutrition will open a new- look store as part of Domain Central’s $ 6 million The Market Place development in early 2018.
Paul and Joanne Amante have operated the Townsville business for more than 20 years, supplying a range of vitamins and mineral supplements, whole foods, herbal teas and sports nutrition supplements.
Mr Amante said they were excited to be a part of the development.
Health 4 Life Nutrition will join other retailers including a convenience- style IGA supermarket outlet in the development, which is being built over a former carpark in the retail complex.
Domain Central centre manager Sandy Corbett said they were delighted to see locally owned and operated small businesses come to Domain Central.
“We believe in the Townsville community and our redevelopment has allowed the centre to heavily invest in local retailers, giving them an opportunity to engage with a much wider customer base,” Ms Corbett said.
Construction on The Market Place is on schedule to be completed by the end of this year with plans to launch early next year.