The new residential aged care facility, costing almost $8 million, is being built in Swift Street next door to Harden Hospital in the Southern Cross Freemasons Village adding to the already existing self care units on the block.

Last Thursday April 15 residents, staff and supporters gathered at the site to witness the commencement of work, which shows older people in the Harden and Galong district they are a valued part of the community.

Southern Cross Care CEO John Ireland said the facility will replace the existing St. Lawrence Home at Galong which has served the community well over the past 30 years.

“This is an exciting day for the Harden district and Southern Cross Care,” Mr Ireland said.

“The commencement of work in Harden completes the building trifecta to which Southern Cross Care made a commitment when accepting the transfer of facilities from the Archbishop of Canberra/Goulburn.

“With the new 80 apartments at Young almost finished, the 55 apartment facility in Cootamundra also nearing completion, the St. Lawrence Apartments Harden will mean that local older people will have a choice of almost 200 state-of-the-art aged care placements open to them.”

The new facility will comprise of 45 supported living apartments (bedsitter rooms) each with its own large en-suite bathroom, tea making facilities and each opening onto a patio/veranda area.

There will be several dining rooms/lounge rooms/sitting areas plus courtyards have been incorporated in the design together with a large activities room and chapel.

The facility will contain a special care unit which will enhance the care of people who have special care needs, primarily as a result of a dementing illness.

The massive project, which is expected to be finished by September 2011, is being undertaken by Total Project Constructions, a highly regarded Canberra Building Company which built the Southern Cross Campbell Apartments in the ACT.