Cairns Aged Care Centre
- Description 126 bed aged care home
- Location Chapel Hill
- Sector Health and Care
- Sub-Sector Aged Care
- Specialties New Build
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum
- Delivery Method Construct Only, Early Contractor Involvement
- Client The Salvation Army (Queensland) Property Trust
- Architect Thomson Adsett
- Photographer Hot Shots
- Videographer Hot Shots
The Cairns Aged Care Centre at Chapel Hill was built as a modern, people‑centred home that blends high‑quality care with the calm of its natural surrounds. Set within the leafy foothills of Mt Cootha, the four‑storey home was designed to give residents a warm, connected environment supported by contemporary amenities, generous communal spaces and a strong sense of belonging. Its purpose was clear: create a place where older Australians can live safely, comfortably and with dignity, supported by family, community and dedicated care teams.
The scale of the build demanded careful sequencing, close consultant coordination and early engagement with the Client to resolve services, glazing interfaces and detailed façade treatments. Through pre‑construction, the team established clear staging strategies and communication pathways to manage the integration of specialist aged‑care systems while maintaining strong safety and quality controls throughout delivery.
The Centre incorporates contemporary aged‑care design principles, including wide corridors, abundant natural light and homely interiors. Standout features include an architecturally framed entrance, extensive glazing, large balconies, landscaped gardens, a chapel, library, internet café, hairdressing salon and a therapeutic hobby farm, all contributing to a warm, village‑like atmosphere that supports wellbeing and social connection.
The project delivered a substantial 126‑bed residence across four levels, supported by a basement car park, commercial kitchen and laundry, and a mix of single and twin rooms with private ensuites. Today, the Centre provides holistic, person‑centred care with strong community ties, offering residents a safe, enriching environment designed and built to support comfort.
Opening Ceremony
The Grindley and Salvation Army teams gathered onsite to celebrate the opening of the substantial four‑storey Cairns Aged Care Centre, the first major project in our expanded Queensland partnership.