Australian Wholesale Property Packagers and marketing agent Seniors Own Real Estate, both Western Australian based companies, are developing an exciting concept to help ease the affordability aspect for over 55s wanting the benefits of living in a Retirement Village and who can't afford what is presently being offered.

Both companies are excited at the prospect of being able to offer a more affordable alternative to a very large group of over 55s who just don't have the capital or borrowing power to purchase a retirement residence in the price range of villages that are presently available. It is intended that prices in this concept will range from $265,000 - $285,000 in this quality Canning Vale location.

Mike Graebner, Principal of Seniors Own says about this concept; "The greatest housing challenge today is to provide housing for a significant number of senior Australians who are not wealthy and do not currently live in an expensive home". Mr Graebner went onto to say that, “the proposed development is a ‘lifestyle village’ providing a form of living accommodation distinctly different from conventional freehold lot subdivision by creating smaller, strata titled lots where possible within a conserved, but enhanced natural garden setting all managed by the Strata Company under the provisions of a Management Statement as provided for in the Strata Titles Act. Residents interests will be secured by the ongoing involvement of the developer in the management of the village”.

The location of this proposed development is Glenariff Residential Estate located in proximity to the junction of Nicholson Rd and Ranford Rd, Canning Vale.

Seniors Own Real Estate and Australian Wholesale Property Packagers are inviting the community to a workshop style Forum in the local area on Monday 9th February between 6.00pm - 7.30pm with the intent to:                        

• Develop a good understanding of the markets needs and wants.
• Gain an interactive and comprehensive understanding of the planning and design issues
• Illustrate a concept using best practice urban design and sustainable living.

The workshopping process enables members of the community to play a vital role in the strategic planning issues that directly affect them as in:

• Eco sustainability
• Development Guidelines
• Building Finishes
• Car Parking
• Priorities

In addition, features predominant and open for discussion and central to the core requirements of developing a successful village lifestyle include:

• Creating a sense of space;
• Maintenance of independence;
• Retention of individuality;
• Preservation of privacy;
• Companionship; and
• Security

As a result of community feedback and Expressions of Interest indicated at this forum a strategy will be adopted to fulfil community needs.

The subdivision is intended to create a "village" atmosphere where lots and their respective dwellings are arranged around or separated by open spaces, which are to be managed by the Strata Company. Advanced planting, will be used as far as possible for subdivision, privacy and separation of individual cluster dwellings.

Consistent with this theme, the roads will be private within the common property and at widths that have the propensity to slow traffic movement in the interests of safety. They will also be strategically placed to encourage the use of significant trees planted to create an interesting streetscape.

Internally one bedroom and a study or spare bedroom, a combined kitchen, dining, lounge area and a laundry bathroom and WC is ideal for single over 55s or couples requiring low maintenance, low cost housing. Each unit has an outdoor entertaining area. French doors overlook the alfresco garden, a welcome relief from the hard edge of roadways and parking bays.  Privacy is assured in both the alfresco area of approximately 10m2 and a second outlook area, with the provision of hedges and trees.

Two residences each approx 70m2 in area are spaced in clusters with each cluster  different to the other in colour and elevation, expelling uniformity, creating an appearance of individuality, independence, privacy and security that maintains a sustainable relationship to its immediate environment.

Well designed and proportioned ceilings contribute to quality interior spaces within buildings. Appropriate ceiling heights contribute to the flexibility of use and facilitate improved access to natural light.

Provision will also be made for air conditioning, houses will be brick construction with concrete flooring and tile or colourbond high pitched roofs. Pay TV cabling will be provided.

A single carport for each unit is included and a visitors parking area will be located nearby. A storage area will be provided for each unit.

Vehicle access and circulation is central to the efficient functionality of the development. Open spaces are usually consumed by road ways and car bays where as in this proposal, priority is given over to open spaces.

Also appropriate provision of cycle, buggy and pedestrian access will be incorporated assuring high quality, safe and pleasant walking and cycling environments for users within the development.

Complimenting the garden environment and cultural vitality, a mixed use Community Centre is proposed to provide a meeting place and activity area for a balance of passive and active uses for all residents.