The final (Stage 2) planning approval, recently secured by MasterPlan, is a significant milestone and the culmination of a decade of collaborative research, design work, marketing and ultimately the realisation of a vision to develop a sustainable and holistic independent living component to one of South Australia’s most prominent retirement living precincts.

Throughout this process, Southern Cross Care have strongly advocated for the conservation, adaptive reuse and inclusion of the Carmelite Monastery into the overall vision for the site. Resulting in a community-focussed, multi-use building that integrates seamlessly into the overall site, whilst also providing a significant value-add to the amenity and enjoyment of the community.

Approved by the State Commission Assessment Panel, the development comprises two architecturally designed residential towers of four and seven building levels, providing 46 premium retirement living apartments of mixed typology, resident amenities, undercroft parking, extensive landscaped open space, and seamless integration with the existing Stage 1 facility, which delivers a contemporary and future-focused vision for aged living in South Australia.

A defining feature of the project is the adaptive reuse and conservation of the State Heritage-listed Archbishop’s Residence, which will be transformed into a vibrant community hub for residents, preserving the site’s rich heritage while creating a unique destination within the precinct.

The project represents a significant planning milestone as the first development approved under South Australia’s Significant Retirement Facility Supported Accommodation Sites Overlay, a planning pathway designed to facilitate greater housing choice and supply for the ageing population.

Working closely with Southern Cross Care and key government stakeholders, including the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Environment Protection Authority, Heritage South Australia, and the City of Unley, MasterPlan guided the project through a complex approval process to achieve a successful outcome.

Once completed, the Carmelite master plan will deliver a premium retirement living community that combines contemporary design, exceptional resident amenity, landscaped garden settings, and heritage conservation to create an enduring legacy for South Australia’s ageing community.