The United Protestant Association is constructing 39 units for independent seniors just south of its existing Bracken House aged-care facility.

UPA district chairman Lex Bramble hopes construction will start before the end of the year. The first 17 units are expected to be ready for occupation within nine months.

Mr Bramble said public interest in Oxley Village had been phenomenal. More than 50 eager potential residents have registered their names asking for additional information.

Some have offered to put down deposits and one woman has already picked her retirement unit off the plan.

“The response has been amazing and we haven’t even got our brochure to the printers,’’ Mr Bramble said.

Oxley Village will comprise 18 two-bedroom units, six one-bedroom units with study, seven two-bedroom units plus study and eight larger two-bedroom units with study. All will be of brick veneer construction with Colorbond roofing and single lock-up garage. Each unit will have driveway space for an additional vehicle.

“Detailed plans include a workshop for residents to tinker with cars and get involved in a whole range of projects,’’ Mr Bramble said. “Residents won’t have to worry about mowing lawns or outside maintenance jobs but space will be available for those interested in gardening. Lillimur House, located in the grounds of Bracken House, will be utilised as a community centre.’’

All units will have views of the Macquarie River. The five dwellings closest to the river corridor will have individual decks enhancing direct vistas of the water.

Underground storage tanks will collect stormwater for garden and toilet use.

Mr Bramble said the units would be reasonably priced ranging from about $220,000 to $300,000.

“It is important to understand that the complex will be a retirement village for self-contained independent living, not a nursing home,’’ he said.

Further information can be obtained by telephoning Mr Bramble 6888 5231 or Bracken House manager Megan Whitney 6884 4604.

heather.crosby@ruralpress.com