Redmond Park, Carlton

Project Selection

Redmond Park may contain a number of the following features but it has been identified by the Steering Committee specifically because it:

The following project description combines information gathered from the Redmond Park website www.redmondpark.com.au and an interview with Chris Straw from Thomson Adsett, the project architects.

Project Overview

Redmond Park is a recently completed 61 unit apartment complex located in Carlton, Melbourne. An existing building has been completely redeveloped to include two additional penthouse levels. Every apartment in the building offers a view of the city or surrounding area.

Why is Redmond Park an innovative project?

Against industry expectations, the Redmond Park project was sold “off the plan” with the majority of sales occurring during the Global Financial Crisis. The project has many of the features of an intentional community and is located close to a university. Redmond Park is the subject of great interest from the industry.

Successful project marketing is one of the standout features of this project. Marketing was engaged at an early stage to identify key target markets and develop “the story of the building”.   Chris Straw from Thomson Adsett, the project architects states: “...there are more and more options out there and every good retirement community that sells well has some sort of story to it.  It is not always about the bricks and motor.  We wanted to unlock the soul of the building. Redmond Park was designed around the innovative community, more outgoing professionals such as older architects and professors and we targeted Melbourne University. The sort of things provided became really important. Understanding the psychographic profile of people likely to go into the building was critical to how we placed it in the marke.”

It is interesting to note that 67% of referrals for Redmond Park came from the internet, a surprisingly high figure given the age of the target population.

Built Environment

Redmond Park is a medium-rise older persons’ housing development. The $24 million redevelopment has re-modelled an existing building originally developed in the 1960s and included the addition of two new levels.

The original building had very small wall heights and beams that ran across the building presenting a significant initial architectural challenge. The design solution was to create a large foyer space and void. This created a sense of light and space to compensate for the lower ceiling heights in some rooms.

Each of the 61 apartments offers a balcony view. Residents had the option of a number of apartment sizes or one of a select number of three-bedroom penthouses, some with separate studies. Apartments in the development contain kitchens, full laundries and well appointed bathrooms while the living and dining areas are equipped with wool carpets and reverse cycle air conditioning.

The entire ground floor level is dedicated to shared spaces, including a lounge, dining room with adjoining terrace and a private dining room.  The ground floor has been designed to promote inclusion and social connectivity, features include:

A restaurant

A library

Business centre

Television room with bar

Billiards room

Hairdressing salon

Consulting suits

An arts & crafts studio

Landscaped garden

A gymnasium

Service Model

Redmond Park is staffed by carers 24 hours a day and a GP is available at selected times each week. Should it be required, carers can arrange emergency assistance and provide additional services such as personal care, medication supervision and resident checking.

As part of the Royal Freemason’s Homes of Victoria (RFHV), Redmond Park residents have access to RFHV services such as the Outreach Program which is funded through either the CACP or EACH programs to provide extra support as it is needed. Residents also have priority right of entry to other RFHV facilities and nursing homes, should the need arise.

A range of activities are available to all residents, including:

Concerts

Melbourne Cup Day luncheon

University of the Third Age

Community service events

Guest speakers

Health & well being sessions

Personal training gym sessions

Massage and aromatherapy sessions

Knitting and sewing afternoons

Movie afternoons and evenings

Theatre outings

Gardening club

A choice of additional services are also offered at an additional cost. These include newspaper delivery, cleaning, laundry services, handyman services, daily chemist delivery and a limited selection of prepared meals.

Project Auspice

Established in 1867, Royal Freemasons Homes of Victoria (RFHV) was one of Victoria's first not-for-profit, non-government aged care providers. Redmond Park will be their 14th independent living development, providing residents with priority access to the RFHV network of aged care facilties should the need arise.

The Victorian Freemasons have an ambitious range of older persons’ housing projects slated for the next few years. Their confidence is high after successfully delivering the Redmond Park project in the middle of the Global Financial Crisis.