Walara Ardrossan Seaview Residential Aged Care Facility Development kicks off

Walara Ardrossan Seaview Residential Aged Care Facility Development kicks off

Further to the recent update in July, Chief Executive Officer, Rob Veitch confirmed the Walara Board’s appointment of Schiavello Construction as the builder for the major development at the Walara Ardrossan Seaview site.

This announcement included a “breaking ground” ceremony on site (refer below) attended by Board Members, Residents, staff, Department of Health representative, Architect, Builder, and Engineer.

Local resident and Board Member Don Hosking, on behalf of the Walara Board Chair Malcolm May welcomed attendees to the sod turning and said that “Today is the start of a major development works in Ardrossan, one of the largest for many decades and on behalf of the Board I thank all who have contributed to this point, including:

• Alice McDonald, on behalf of the Federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Aged Care Minister
• Rowan Barbary and team, representing Brown Falconer Architects
• Ben Tonkin and team, representing the builder Schiavello Construction
• Senior management and staff
• Yorke Peninsula Council.

Don also reinforced that community consultation, and engagement remained a high priority and referred to these activities including:

• Numerous front door discussions with our neighbours by senior staff, including the CEO
• Seven community newsletters distributed between October 2025 and July 2026
• Regular project updates at the Walara community noticeboard, near the chemist.

Don also highlighted that the development includes:

• Partial demolition of existing supported accommodation buildings
• Additions and alterations to our aged care facility increasing the bed total from 33 to 40, all with ensuites in a contemporary supported living environment, many with coastal views
• Minor and ancillary community facilities, including a hairdressing and café space
• Construction of 23 additional car parking spaces while retaining the existing 10 spaces
• New landscaping throughout the site and additions to existing outbuildings.

Rob thanked Schiavello’s for the prompt installation of the security fencing and builders’ amenities on site and advised that construction should commence in the next 2 – 3 weeks. Work is continuing with the YPC on access to adjoining land for builder amenities and parking until mid-2028, when the development will be completed.