The RAAF association has announced plans to build a $35 million retirement village at Merriwa, north of Perth.
The RAAFA is using two of WA’s leading building companies to undertake the ambitious project.
Futuris Corporation’s property development division, Smith Corporation and building giant BGC are to build the association’s fourth WA retirement village, to be known as Cambrai Village, named to commemorate the World War I Battle of Cambrai which took place in November 1917. In one day the Australian Flying Corps suffered its heaviest losses throughout the war for a single day’s flying.
RAAFA chief executive, Bob Bunney said the 271 unit development came about because of the strong demand for such a project from veterans and the RAAFA’s 3,700 members.
“Many veterans already live in the area and want to remain close to family and friends,” Mr Bunney said.
“The response to the development from our members and other veterans’ associations has been very extremely positive, with over 150 units out of the 271 already reserved.”
BGC brings to the partnership extensive building experience which BGC general manager construction Gerry Forde believes will make Cambrai a top quality development.
Smith Corporation has contributed the 15.5 hectares for the project.
“It’s a great outcome for all parties and a relationship that we hope to develop in the future, perhaps with other villages in country WA,” Mr Bunney said.
The three bedroom units, priced from $120,000, will be set around a range of facilities including a library, restaurant, craft studio, a licensed social club, doctors’ rooms and hairdressing salons.
For those residents wishing to keep fit, Cambrai will also include a tennis court, indoor swimming pool, gym, bowling green and croquet green.