November 24, 2019
Construction has officially commenced on one of Australia’s first retirement villages incorporating a Montessori Early Learning Centre, thanks to a partnership between leading ageing care provider ECH (Enabling Confidence at Home) and SA Montessori. ECH Chief Executive Dr David Panter said the partnership will not only see a range of intergenerational activities implemented across ECH Day Programs, it has also provided an opportunity to co-locate a new SA Montessori Early Learning Centre within the $42.5M 85 Smart Road Development. “Construction on this one-of-a-kind vertical retirement living village will be marked on 19 November with an Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony conducted by Aboriginal Elder Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien,” Dr Panter said. “A smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal custom in Australia that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people and the land and make a pathway for a brighter future. “The Smart Road Development will see a range of our independent living residents living and interacting with a Montessori Early Learning Centre, creating a one-of-a kind community inclusive of a range of benefits for all involved.” To be built by Sarah Constructions and designed by Walter Brooke and Aplin Cook Gardner Architects, the 85 Smart Road Development also features a community garden, café, gym, community hall / lounge and allied health services. Dr Panter said at the peak of construction up to 150 workers are anticipated to be on site at 85 Smart Road in Modbury.