Downsizing North Canberra residents now have the option to age in their existing community after the official opening of Goodwin Village Downer.

The concept has been more than a decade in the making but the official ceremony marked the next step of the project’s journey.

Goodwin CEO Stephen Holmes described the event as a “monumental milestone”.

“Goodwin Village Downer represents a major investment in contemporary housing and services for seniors, but more importantly, it cements Goodwin’s ongoing commitment to creating vibrant, connected and supportive environments for older Australians,” he said.

“As Canberra’s oldest and largest aged care provider, we are incredibly proud to deliver a modern lifestyle that keeps our seniors deeply connected to the local history and community they helped build.”

Construction was meant to start in 2022 but a protracted development application and community consultation process meant shovels didn’t hit the ground until 2024.

But talks about addressing the need for more appropriate, quality housing options for Canberra’s ageing population began in 2015.

The village has 109 independent living apartments and 20 serviced apartments.

A partnership with Community Housing Canberra (CHC) has also meant affordable rental homes are available so that high-quality retirement living remained accessible to more older Canberrans.

Goodwin Board chair Fiona Jolly said this was about welcoming a new community into existence.

“What makes this milestone so unique is that Goodwin remains entirely Canberra owned and operated. Our history is deeply rooted in the Canberra region community and that local identity is what truly sets us apart,” she said.

“This village reflects our core values as a local, not-for-profit organisation. Through our partnership with Community Housing Canberra, we are proud to provide affordable rental options, ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to age with dignity, security and a true sense of belonging.

“We are thrilled to see this vision realised here in Downer.”

Manteena, the Downer Community Association and CK Architecture were also involved in the project.

The official ribbon-cutting brought together more than the local Canberra community and policymakers.

There was even an international touch with Finnish deputy head of mission Ahti Torronen dropping by to check out the state-of-the-art HUR wellness gym equipment installed at the village.

Goodwin Village Downer was designed to reflect the deep red and dark grey terracotta tone of Canberra’s classic 1960s architecture. Photos: Supplied.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith thanked Goodwin for its ongoing commitment to providing accommodation and care options so that older Canberrans could “live well”.

“Goodwin Downer Village has been designed as a contemporary community that responds to the evolving needs of Canberra’s ageing population,” she said.

“It’s important that retirement villages are more than just places to live – the best of these are vibrant, connected communities that uphold independence and dignity.

“The ACT Government welcomes projects and initiatives that promote age-friendly communities, improve access to services and support people to age in place.”