St Andrew’s Court, a UnitingCare Ageing complex in North Tamworth, comprises 12 separate units for older people and was developed under the federal government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme.

UnitingCare Ageing Hunter, Central Coast and New England regional director Bryan McLoughlin said the units provided affordable housing with a secure tenure for residents.

Mr McLoughlin said the units were designed within universal design guidelines with features that allowed for easy access, including wider doorways, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and toilets, lower bench heights and “easy-flick” light switches.

There was also provision for residents to gain access to community services if they needed to in the future, he said.

Construction of the complex was completed in May and residents began moving in in July, with all 12 units filled in about three weeks.

Mr McLoughlin told The Leader the organisation recognised there was a need for 

such a facility through its St Andrew’s Independent Living Village.

Construction was undertaken by Tamworth company Single Builders and community housing provider Homes North worked with UnitingCare Ageing to fill the tenancies.