ACT’s first intergenerational retirement living community to be developed on University of Canberra’s Bruce campus

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – Specialist community infrastructure developer and operator Pariter has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the University of Canberra (UC) and Opal HealthCare to develop and operate a landmark university-based intergenerational retirement community – the first of its kind in the ACT and only the second in Australia.

Pariter is a wholly owned business division of Plenary.

The agreement entered between UC, Pariter and Opal HealthCare for the development of the retirement living community on the University’s Bruce campus will complement the university’s existing health infrastructure, which includes the UC Hospital and UC Health Hub, and further bring the UC Campus Masterplan Health Neighbourhood to life. Under this development, the university will lease land to Pariter and Opal Healthcare under a 100-year agreement.

The development will integrate senior living, healthcare, education, and community engagement in a unique, intergenerational setting that redefines ageing in place, and strengthens the social fabric of Canberra, with the University contributing to the ACT’s vision of being an age-friendly city.

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra, The Honourable Bill Shorten, said the project reflects the university’s commitment to lifelong learning, community wellbeing, and innovation in education and research with hundreds more people expected to call UC home.

“This project will create a living and learning environment where older Australians can stay engaged, active, and connected – not only with health services, but with ideas, students, and the vibrant university campus life,” he said.

The agreement outlines a collaboration between the three parties that will unlock educational and research benefits which include collaborative employment programs, student placement opportunities locally and nationally, aged care and retirement living research and co-designed learning programs.

“It will create a benchmark for intergenerational living on University campuses, one which I hope will be replicated across the country in years to come,” said Mr Shorten.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the announcement, citing the partnership between University of Canberra, Pariter and Opal HealthCare as an innovative healthcare model.

“This is truly a significant moment for the University of Canberra and our city more broadly,” said Mr Barr.

“The project will deliver an integrated healthcare model that will improve the lives of Canberrans as they age.

“It will place a strong focus on connection to community, while making sure older people have access to education and the services they need.”

Pariter will enter into a 100-year land lease from the university, and lead the design and delivery of the retirement community master plan in close collaboration with the University, to ensure the delivery of a shared vision and objectives for the overall precinct.

“We’re proud to co-create a model for intergenerational living that is sustainable, socially enriching, and future-focused,” said Tom Roche, CEO of Pariter. “This is smart precinct development with long-term community impact at its core.”

Opal HealthCare, one of Australia’s leading aged care providers, will deliver high-quality residential aged care and related health services within the precinct.

“This partnership enables us to use our expertise in aged care development by embedding wellbeing, choice, and connection to community in the very design of the built environment,” said Rachel Argaman, CEO of Opal HealthCare.

Development highlights include:

• 230 independent living units
• 180-bed residential aged care community
• Community wellness facilities
• Extension to UC’s health precinct linking UC Hospital and UC Health Hub

This bold collaboration will position Canberra as a leader in age-inclusive innovation and will serve as a national model for reimagining retirement living.