Managing director Gary Barnier, who was in Bathurst for a long service awards ceremony at Opal’s existing facility at Kelso, told the Western Advocate it was not a difficult decision to choose to invest again in the city.

And it’s a big investment: Mr Barnier says the new 164-bed aged care facility will cost $35 million to build and will generate 100 new jobs for the city.

“One of the things that we see in NSW are key regional areas emerging as the metropolitan areas struggle to cope because of infrastructure issues or a reduction in lifestyles,” he said.

The new facility will run along Stanley Street, between Hope and Peel streets, and will overlook the Macquarie River.

The development application for the facility shows the two-storey building will have four wings which feature the bedrooms, as well as a main foyer area with a reception, salon, cafe, dining area, lounge, laundry, kitchen and terrace.

“We see the Central West as one of the great growth areas in Australia – and Bathurst in particular,” Mr Barnier said. 

“We have a group of staff that do a fabulous job [in Kelso] with what is a home that is over 30 years old.”

He said Opal wanted to “support the team here” as well as the city.

He said the company was in the process of tendering and work on the new facility was due to start in the first half of next year.

The plan is for the facility to open in the first half of 2018.

“We see Bathurst as a really go-ahead place for the future,” Mr Barnier said.

Opal’s investment in the city comes as Oak Tree Retirement Villages prepares for an open day this weekend for its new residential village on the corner of Hope and Stanley streets.

Oak Tree says the village, which will open in stages, will include a community entertainment and activity hall, outdoor bowls green, outdoor barbecue and entertainment areas, hairdressing salon, library and computer corner.

The company is targeting those who want to “live a relaxed and independent lifestyle in a low maintenance property”.

Oak Tree’s promotion for the village emphasises the proximity of Bathurst Base Hospital and the city’s public transport to Sydney.