HammondCare has been selected to lead the transformation of a former primary school in the ACT into a best-practice dementia care village following a competitive tender process.

The dementia care village, the first in Canberra, will be designed around small, homelike cottages. It will be built on the former Curtin Primary School at Carruthers Street following an agreement between the ACT Suburban Land Agency and HammondCare.

The design will align with the National Aged Care Design Principles & Guidelines while integrating with the local community, making the village feel like just another street in Curtin.

HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn joined with ACT Suburban Land Agency Chief Executive Officer Adam Davey at the 22,448m² site to announce an exchange of contracts.

Mr Thorburn said: “HammondCare is proud to provide the first dementia village in the ACT.”

“The homelike cottages, combined with a relationship-based philosophy of care, will improve quality of life, reduce confusion and promote independence for people living with dementia,” he said.

The project would be informed by HammondCare’s experience over 30 years in small household design at similar villages in NSW, Victoria and more recently at Daw Park, South Australia, as part of the Repat Health Precinct.

The Curtin Dementia Village will provide 11 cottages offering 90 beds in single rooms with ensuites. Each cottage will feature domestic-style kitchens as the centre of activity where meals are prepared fresh. Generous and reminiscent living areas include safe access to outdoor gardens.

Clinical and institutional parts of the village, such as staff areas, storage areas and equipment, are carefully hidden to not intrude on domestic familiarity.

The Curtin Dementia Village will be part of an integrated care site, including a café, shop, hairdressing salon and 48 Supported Seniors Living apartments. There will be integrated shared spaces, including gardens, walking paths, and a wellness and community hub, that will invite interaction and connection.

Mr Davey said the development will be guided by the Place Development Brief, which was shaped in collaboration with stakeholders and the local community.

The Brief outlines community aspirations for the site and the desired outcomes for the development of a best practice village-style model of care for people living with dementia.

“This marks a major milestone in delivering a landmark project that will provide best practice care and support for Canberrans living with dementia,” Mr Davey said.

“During consultation, we heard that enabling a best practice dementia care environment, fostering connection to the community, and supporting an innovative and holistic model of care are the top three priorities.

“We look forward to working with HammondCare to deliver a place-led approach and create an environment where the community can thrive,” he said.

Mr Thorburn said local professionals and trades will participate in the design and construction. When operating, HammondCare Curtin will provide employment for up to 300 Canberrans.

HammondCare is committed to developing their design with the community and anticipate information sessions in the coming months. Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in late 2027 with a 2030 completion.

To watch the concept flythrough of the new village, click here.