ACT to receive its first dementia village

The site of a former primary school in the Canberra suburb of Curtin will be transformed into the ACT’s first dementia care village — with HammondCare leading the transformation. Following an agreement between the ACT Suburban Land Agency and HammondCare, the Curtin Dementia Village will be built on the former Curtin Primary School at Carruthers Street.

Designed around small, homelike cottages, the design for the 22,448 m² site will align with the National Aged Care Design Principles & Guidelines and is intended to integrate with the local community — making the village feel like just another street in Curtin.

Curtin Dementia Village Town Square (supplied).

Eleven cottages will be provided, offering 90 beds in single rooms with ensuites. Domestic-style kitchens as the centre of activity where meals are prepared fresh will feature in each cottage, while living areas will include safe access to outdoor gardens. To not intrude on domestic familiarity, clinical and institutional parts of the village — such as staff areas, storage areas and equipment — will be carefully hidden.

Curtin Dementia Village plan (supplied).

“HammondCare is proud to provide the first dementia village in the ACT,” HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn said. “The homelike cottages, combined with a relationship-based philosophy of care, will improve quality of life, reduce confusion and promote independence for people living with dementia.”

HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn with Suburban Land Agency Chief Executive Adam Davey in front of the sold sign at the Curtin Primary School site (supplied).

The village will be part of an integrated care site and include a café, shop, hairdressing salon and 48 Supported Seniors Living apartments. To invite connection and interaction, there will be integrated shared spaces, including gardens, walking paths, and a wellness and community hub.

Suburban Land Agency Chief Executive Adam Davey with HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn at the Curtin Primary School site (supplied).

The development will be guided by the Place Development Brief, which was shaped in collaboration with stakeholders and the local community. Community aspirations for the site and the desired outcomes for the development of a best practice village-style model of care for people living with dementia are outlined in the brief. Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in late 2027 with a 2030 completion.

Top image caption: Curtin Dementia Village Town Square (supplied).