Work has begun on a new community lodge for residents of Observatory Village Life Care.

The work has begun due to the generosity of Observatory Village project founders and will be named Willow Park Lodge, village manager Scott Elliffe said.

The lodge will offer spaces for resident functions and activities, and will include a gym, spa, arts and craft area, treatment rooms and comfortable lounge, dining and entertainment areas.

Outdoors will have a multi-purpose activity area, community vegetable gardens, and walking paths to connect it with the village’s villas and apartments, he said.

The lodge will be free for village residents to use, but it is also intended for appropriate community functions such as bridge and art classes. 

“We envisage the lodge will become a vibrant centre of resident and community activity that breathes new life into the village,” Scott said.

“Residents are thrilled at spaces for community activity and socialising.”

The building work is being carried out by Roger Gilchrist Builders, and Willow Park Lodge is scheduled for completion at the end of 2024.

The Observatory Village complex opened in August 2017 and is a community-owned project governed by the Observatory Village Charitable Trust. 

The trust holds shares in both the land-owning company Observatory Village Lifecare Limited, and the operating company Observatory Village Care Limited.

By the end of 2026 the village will have 68 villas, 42 serviced apartments, an 81-bed care centre and house more than 200 residents.