Construction on the extension to the Hillgrove House aged care facility in Bega reached the second storey on time last week, despite heavy rain and storms over the past month.
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Business development manager for health, ageing and disability services with construction contractor, Paynter Dixon Construction, Sadie Berling, says the building is on target for completion in September.
“The ground floor is done and the walls up. The ultrafloor is down for the second floor and is being formed up for the walls with concrete footings for-load bearing walls,” Ms Berling said.
“We are using as many local contractors as we can to enable the Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Group (SCCACG) to put as much money as possible back into the local community.
“So far we are engaging Russell Earthmoving, Bega Bobcats, Hartican Plumbing, Core Electrical, Eden Plastering, Sapphire Welding and McKay Concreting and we expect to use other locals as the project progresses.”
When phase one of the Hillgrove House extension is completed it will be linked to the existing building on both levels.
There will be underground parking and the main access will be relocated to Heath Street, giving a more level entrance than the present one in the aptly named Hill Street.
The new one-bedroom rooms with ensuite bathrooms will be more generous in size than the existing rooms and will provide views to the mountains.
They will all have phone and internet access, there will be Wi-Fi available throughout the facility and all exterior doors will have closed circuit TV for the security of residents and staff.
CEO of SCCACG, Jim Butterworth, says the exterior of the building is designed to fit in with the surrounding streetscape.
“We engaged a heritage consultant to track the history of Bega, particularly in this part of town, to ensure we got the right ‘look’,” he said.
He reminded the community that there is no official government funding for the Hillgrove House extension so any donation or offer of financial help, big or small, is welcome.
“They can be for specific purposes such as a new bed, curtains for a resident’s bedroom or even chairs,” Mr Butterworth said.
Donations can be made at Hillgrove House or at Westpac Bega BSB 032 682, account 151 258. All donations over $2 are tax deductable.
