New figures have shown the Blue Haven Bonaira aged care complex has had a major economic impact on the Illawarra economy.
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With six months until the $106 million facility opens, the project has generated an estimated $200 million in economic activity and created 480 jobs.
The project was a major investment by Kiama Council in aged care services for the community.
More than 250 construction workers are on-site to prepare the complex for opening in October.
Since construction started in February 2018, more than 225,000 hours of work have been completed.
The project has employed 27 types of specialists, which include civil and structural engineers, landscaping consultants, bushfire risk assessors, heritage management experts and interior designers.
Since work began more than 10,000 tonnes of rock and soil have been removed from the site and replaced by 15,000 cubic metres of concrete.
The old Kiama Hospital will be replaced by a complex with a total floor space of 29,000 square metres.
120 people will be employed full time as nurses, cooks, dietitians, caterers, cleaners, administration staff and maintenance workers.
Once complete, Blue Haven Bonaira will provide an aged care home for 134 residents and 59 independent living units.
A community hall, meeting rooms, a wellness centre, chapel, hairdresser, beauty spa and extensive gardens will also be available for residents.
Each unit will include secure underground car parking for one vehicle, with full lift access throughout all buildings.
Residents from the existing Blue Haven Care Home in Havilah Place, will be relocated to Barroul Care Home.
Kiama Council is examining options for the Havilah Place site once it is vacant.
The Independent Living Units at Blue Haven Bonaira will be allocated by ballot, the same manner used to allocate units at Blue Haven Terralong.
The council has provided $79 million towards the facility through a $60 million loan and drawing on Blue Haven reserves.
The NSW government provided $18 million towards the project through the Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund and the Regional Communities Development Fund.
The Australian government also provided $3.97 million towards the facility.
Visit www.bluehavencare.com.au/bonaira-development for more information.
