The former Curtin Primary School is set to become Canberra’s first dementia care village, at a cost of $150 million. 

HammondCare has won the tender from the Suburban Land Agency to transform the space into small “homelike” cottages on the former school site on Carruthers Street.

“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,” says HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn,

Spread across 22,448 square metres, the Curtin Dementia Village will have 11 cottages and offer 90 beds in single rooms with ensuites.

Featuring “domestic-style kitchens” to encourage a centre of activity during meal prep times, Mr Thorburn says the “generous and reminiscent” living areas will include safe access to outdoor gardens.

“Clinical and institutional parts of the village, such as staff areas, storage areas and equipment will be hidden to avoid disruptions to the domestic familiarity,” he says.

“The village will be part of an integrated care site that will include a café, shop, hairdressing salon and 48 Supported Seniors Living apartments.”

Suburban Land Agency CEO Adam Davey says: “This marks a major milestone in delivering a landmark project that will provide best practice care and support for Canberrans living with dementia.

“During consultation, we heard that enabling a best practice dementia care environment, fostering connection to the community, and supporting an innovative and holistic model of care are the top three priorities.”

Once complete, the facility will provide employment for up to 300 Canberrans.

Subject to approval, construction will begin in late 2027, with a completion date of 2030.

Information sessions will be run over the coming months for the community to see and engage with the development.