The refurbished Gold Creek Homestead is now an active community asset. Photo: Keyton.
The historic Gold Creek Homestead in Ngunnawal has reopened as part of the extended The Grove retirement village after extensive restoration and adaptive reuse works that return the 19th century buildings to active community use.
But it may never have happened without pressure from the Gungahlin community.
The Homestead and outbuildings have been transformed into a multipurpose community and function space, supported by enhanced gardens and open spaces, all integrated into the existing village.
The $80 million extension project includes 45 additional independent living homes and a new 124-bed residential aged-care facility delivered by Arcare Aged Care that is due to open in 2027.
Lendlease acquired the site through a government tender process for $4.3 million in 2023 and a condition of the sale was that the Homestead would be retained, restored and activated to acknowledge the precinct’s rich heritage.
This was after a 2018 sale bid without any conditions provoked a campaign by the Gungahlin Community Council (GCC) and the National Trust that forced it off the market.
Lendlease Retirement Villages rebranded as Keyton in 2023 and Lendlease is still attempting to offload its 25.1 per cent stake in Keyton, which operates villages across four states and the ACT.
About 8000 sqm of the 4.8 ha site is home to the remnant homestead, which dates back to 1860.
The restoration was shaped through community consultation undertaken in partnership with the Suburban Land Agency to ensure the future use of the homestead reflected community expectations and commitments made during the planning process.
Works on the site also recognised the cultural significance of the area, with indigenous artefacts uncovered during construction carefully managed, recognising the site’s deep and enduring connection to Ngunnawal Country.
The Grove extension includes a community centre with a library, gym and heated indoor swimming pool, as well as a community garden and orchard and a new entry drive from Monty Place to bring people to the front of the homestead.
Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill officially reopened the Homestead on 23 March, saying the opening was a moment worth celebrating for residents and the broader community.
“This is about more than restoring a building,” Mr Cockerill said. “It’s about creating a place where history, community and retirement living come together in a meaningful way.”
The opening was attended by the Property Council’s executive director ACT and Capital Region Ashlee Berry, along with residents and representatives from project partners, Monarch Building Solutions and the SLA.
Ms Berry said the extension of The Grove and the refurbishment of the Homestead was a fine example of retirement living right in the heart of Canberra.
“There is no doubt that with an ageing population, we need more retirement villages and we need them in our existing suburbs so that residents can continue to engage with and enjoy their local community,” she said.
“Supporting the retirement living sector by making sure that appropriately zoned land is released for sale and making sure that the regulatory and taxation environment is fit for purpose, are key priorities for our industry.”
Heritage Minister Chris Steel did not attend the opening but welcomed the project and its contribution to heritage and community outcomes.
“The restoration and adaptation of the Gold Creek Homestead is a fantastic outcome for heritage and the community,” Mr Steel said.
“This project preserves the character and cultural significance of the homestead while giving it new life as a shared community asset and is an example of how historically significant sites can be preserved while building for the future.”
Keyton said that by extending The Grove Ngunnawal and delivering new seniors’ appropriate housing alongside community infrastructure, the project supported healthier ageing, helping residents remain active, connected and living independently for longer.
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on Region Canberra.
