New Love for the Old Kyneton Hospital
The Old Kyneton Hospital building will be restored to its former glory and reborn following the site’s sale this month to Embracia Victoria, a small, family-owned aged care provider.
About Embracia Victoria
Embracia Victoria is a second-generation family owned and operated organisation with 30 years of aged care experience in the sector.
Embracia Victoria Managing Director Sarah MacKenzie said her family had grown up in aged care homes and we are passionate about creating a warm, friendly and thriving community of residents.
“Our expertise is in creating home, with a lifestyle focused approach where independence is encouraged and exceptional care is always a given. We respect our residents, we acknowledge their history, and make sure they are still a valued member of the community.”
Preservation of site
Embracia Victoria will engage heritage architects, cultural heritage consultants, and other experts to oversee a faithful restoration, ensuring the preservation of the unique social, architectural and historical importance of the Old Kyneton Hospital.
The area surrounding the hospital block will be utilised to create much-needed residential aged care and childcare places for local families.
Kyneton has been identified by the Federal Government as a priority region for aged care and needs additional facilities to be built in the area. There is also a need for quality local childcare, as a new generation of young families moves to Kyneton.
Ms MacKenzie said the organisation was committed to a challenging restoration of the 156-year-old building.
“Embracia Victoria is considering the potential of what the building and the grounds can provide and will seek community consultation. Embracia Victoria is sensitive to the needs of the community and is passionate about the restoration and repurposing of the Old Kyneton Hospital. We are excited to bring new life to this historic Kyneton landmark.”
Embracia Aged Care Kyneton
The 120-bed aged care home would have specific places for veterans, people from rural and remote areas, dementia care and respite.
“We’re particularly excited about the prospect of co-locating aged care and childcare places. There is growing evidence that bringing the elderly and children together as part of structured engagement programs can have huge benefits for both groups.”
Ms MacKenzie said Embracia Victoria expected the staged project will open over the next couple of years.
Kirsty Murray from Ray White Kyneton assisted Embracia with their search for the right site. Kirsty said,
“I always knew in the back of my mind that the old hospital site would be perfect due to its location and size but the thing that really cemented it for me was the fact that Embracia have always said they wanted to be a part of the community. Given that the old hospital is one of Kyneton’s most loved and cherished buildings, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to create something special again. I’m really excited about what Embracia can bring to our beautiful community”.