FEBRUARY UPDATE

The Hartley Court rebuild is progressing well and remains on track for a mid-year completion. The clients have been working with Amanda the interior designer to select colours for a feature wall in their bedrooms. Internal painting is continuing, and with the kitchens and cabinetry now installed, the focus is shifting toward the external areas. The outdoor area will include an accessible sensory garden and chicken coop. Ian, Sujan, Mark and Kathy enjoyed a site tour with the site Manager Tony a few weeks ago.

DECEMBER UPDATE

The construction process commenced in 2022 with the necessary approvals, including the Development Application (DA) and Building Approval (BA), and coordination with Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS). Following the completion of preliminary tasks, we transitioned to the demolition phase, established the site, and excitedly turned the sod in April 2023.

After surveyor assessment, earthworks commenced in June 2023 to prepare the ground, laying the groundwork for inserting footings and pouring slabs to create a robust foundation. With the foundational work completed, the focus shifted upwards to the construction of wall and roof framing. Once the roof was securely in place, the building began to take form, particularly as the brickwork neared completion, and internal plastering commenced.

As we shift our focus to internal, we are excited to have reengaged Amanda Kiley and her interior design expertise. Amanda worked with us on the Renaissance Respite project and has offered her services to Hartley again on a pro bono basis.  This is an incredible generous in-kind donation, and both Amanda and Hartley are excited to work on this project together. The colour scheme for the kitchen, living and dining areas have now been selected, with Amanda now working closely with our clients to personalise their individual bedrooms, ensuring each space reflected their unique tastes and preferences.

The redevelopment is on track for a mid-2024 completion.

THE REDEVELOPMENT

Discussions around a potential redevelopment of Hartley court begun in 2012. Following a consultation process with the clients and their families, a preliminary consultation report was written which captured the positives, negatives, and what would make Hartley Court better regarding a rebuild. Following the completion of this report, a decision was then made by the Board that Hartley Court would be redeveloped.

In 2013, the NDIS was announced and became a strong focus for Hartley during the next 5 years. Consequently, the Hartley Court redevelopment was put on hold. During 2016, a feasibility study was conducted on the Hartley Court project. 

APPROVAL & NEXT STEPS

These plans, including broad design concepts were presented to the clients and their families, along with the Board during 2016 and 2017. After lengthy consideration, a concept was agreed upon that would see 2 stand alone houses built at the back of the block, along with a block of individual units at the front. Overall, a positive response was received from clients, families and the Board at that time.

Accordingly, this project was approved and Renaissance Homes (Mark Newman and Andrew Kerec) were engaged to project manage the build. Following a consultation period with the Board and senior management team, Renaissance Homes have developed and submitted plans to the ACT Government for approval. 

ABOUT THE BUILDERS

Renaissance Homes are a proudly local, family owned and operated building company offering a wide range of portfolio designs as well as custom home construction within the ACT and surrounding region. Established in 1996, Renaissance Homes have developed an enviable reputation for providing exceptional client service and delivering high quality homes, with an excess of 1200 new homes completed to date including over 150 knock down / re-build projects within established Canberra suburbs.

These consistent high standards have seen Renaissance presented with over 50 Master Builders Association (MBA) and Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards for Excellence in Building over the last 25 years. 

RENAISSANCE & HARTLEY

Renaissance have been loyal supporters of Hartley Lifecare for many years through the Cycle Challenge, Deakin Charity House project, The Spine Tingling ride and various other fundraising activities. Renaissance is also currently managing the construction of Hartley's brand new short term accommodation house in Chapman to be opened in early 2021. To show our appreciation for their work, the Chapman house will be known has 'Hartley's Renaissance House'.

Renaissance understand the needs of people with disability and have vast experience in building disability accommodation throughout the Canberra region.