Mr Borger said construction will soon begin on a $12-million “Central Living” complex for seniors in Smart Street Fairfield that will offer a whole new way of life for its future tenants.

“The 44 unit complex, funded under the Federal Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, will be right in the heart of Fairfield’s shopping district.

“It will have retail outlets which we’re hoping will be run by some of the tenants or employ them in some capacity.

“The building will also have a rooftop meeting point for tenants complete with balconies, a lobby with concierge desk, a common room on the ground floor and two special rooms for visiting Doctors or aged care nursing.''

Mr Borger said many older people want to be where there is activity, close to shops and amenities, and live a more urban lifestyle rather than a suburban one.

“This program will give them that and more - keeping seniors as active members of the community is likely to assist them to feel healthier and more socially connected to the broader community.''

Mr Tripodi welcomed the program. He said the “Seniors Central Living” development in Fairfield is the first social housing development in NSW with a residential/retail living model design.

“The whole concept of a vibrant new social hub for seniors will no doubt build and strengthen the connection between residents and the local community,'' he said.

“This unique concept better promotes contact with family and friends and reduces social isolation for older social housing tenants.''

Mr Borger said the NSW Government is looking to extend this innovative “Seniors Central Living” model to other areas of the State with several other locations now under consideration.

“The redevelopment of the site in Fairfield means Housing NSW can better match housing stock to meet the needs of both current and future tenants.”

The Intergenerational Report (IGR) released in February this year indicates Australia’s population will age considerably over the next 40 years. People aged over 65 will more than double by 2050.

“More than 3,180 new homes being built across the State under the Stimulus Plan will be allocated to meet the needs of a growing senior population,'' Mr Borger said.

The Australian Government is investing $1.9 billion as part of its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to deliver around 6,000 social housing homes in NSW.

On top of this, the NSW Government is also investing $1 billion to deliver another 3,000 homes.