Further proof that more Australians are looking for both community and lifestyle when they retire – a not-for-profit village operator in the NSW Northern Rivers town of Ballina has just announced it will build a new $10 million village, its first in more than 20 years.

St Andrews Ballina has 86 two-bedroom villas in the town as well as a 123-ned nursing home, but says that demand from locals for the current village has led the board to embark on the new development.

The new site will feature 15 three-bedroom, double garage units priced from $550,000 to $650,000.

“Eighteen months ago St Andrews purchased a prime parcel of land overlooking Cawarra Park and fronting the North Creek foreshore area,” Chairman of the St Andrews property committee Gary Tully told the local paper.

“The design of these villas will allow the owners to stay in their own home longer without the need to access a more acute care style of living.

The single-storey villas comply with the seniors living town planning code which means that they are disabled friendly and can be connected to a Tunstall call system which provides emergency help if needed.

Attention has also been paid to providing the best possible views for those who may be house bound.”

The land is also conveniently located to the Ballina hospital, shopping centres, churches, and the bowling club, as well as public transport.

For more information contact Julianne Winchester at St Andrews on (02) 6620 5810. 　

Picture: An artist’s impression of the new townhouses under construction in Ballina.