The operators of Northbourne Park Retirement Village Scottsdale were awarded a $1.3 million grant through the infrastructure stream of the federal government’s Building Better Regions fund last week and will be used to aid the development of the second stage of the village according to retirement village chairman Robin Thompson.

The planned second stage would double the size of the village by adding 70 more units.

Mr Thompson explained that the funding will be used on infrastructure such as roads, clean water and NBN connection – all vital prior to the commencement of construction of the units.

Tasmanian Liberal senator David Bushby said Northbourne Park was chosen for inclusion in the grants program because of the potential benefit the funding would have for the wider community creating badly needed affordable housing for North-East residents as well as significant job creation in the area.

Northbourne Park currently has 67 units with 90 residents, with each owner choosing a layout within a certain set of specifications off the plan.

Each unit is designed to allow for private carers to assist residents to stay in their homes with professional support for as long as possible according to Mr Thompson.

The Building Better Regions Fund provides $641.6 million of funding to businesses and community groups throughout regional Australia.