New Project | Ashfield Baptist Homes - 'The Cunningham' Retirement Living
Project Overview
Total Construction is pleased to announce we have been awarded the Design & Construct contract for Ashfield Baptist Homes’ The Cunningham boutique retirement living facility.
The project will see the demolition of four existing residences and the construction of five new buildings ranging from one to three storeys. Once complete, the development will provide 46 self-care units, a single-storey basement car park, and a range of high-quality resident amenities including a pool, gym, clubhouse and professional suites.
The scope also includes extensive external works, with new landscaping, pedestrian connections to nearby parkland, community herb and vegetable gardens, and thoughtfully designed outdoor social spaces to support resident wellbeing and connection.
Total Construction is scheduled to take possession of the site in mid-March 2026, with construction expected to run for approximately two years across multiple stages.
Project Journey and Challenges
This project has been under review for several years, progressing through multiple design iterations and a range of technical and ground challenges. Following sustained collaboration and careful planning, the team is now preparing to commence construction.
Total Construction first became involved in the project two years ago and has worked closely with the client under a preferred contractor arrangement for the past six months. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in aligning the design with the client’s vision, functional requirements and budget.
The site presents several challenges, including the presence of a Sydney Water asset requiring specialist approvals, as well as remediation risks. The project also experienced budget pressures during the COVID-19 period, contributing to delays.
Our Design Manager, David Alessi, has been closely involved with the project for many years. Drawing on his experience and technical expertise, we have been able to navigate challenges and move the project forward.
Located adjacent to an existing Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF), the project team will take additional measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of neighbouring residents and staff throughout construction.
Aligning with the DBP Act
Over the past six months, Total Construction has worked closely with the client under a preferred contractor arrangement to ensure the design is compliant with the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) Act 2020. This approach has supported full regulatory compliance and ensures the project meets the client’s needs and objectives before commencement onsite.
Insights
At TOTAL, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where asking for help is not just accepted but actively encouraged and seen as the norm.
We proudly present the successful delivery of the Woolworths Metro Mosman project. Doors opened for trade, unveiling the stunning preservation of the historical features, revitalising the six heritage listed shops.
It was all celebrations last Friday night, as TOTAL Queensland came away with the prestigious Master Builders Queensland Award in the category of Commercial/Industrial Building ($15-30m Brisbane) for our impressive StoreLocal Berrinba Self Storage project.
This past Sunday, TOTAL team members, along with their family and friends, came together at community locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to participate in Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event: Planet Ark’s National Tree Day.
At TOTAL, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where asking for help is not just accepted but actively encouraged and seen as the norm.
We proudly present the successful delivery of the Woolworths Metro Mosman project. Doors opened for trade, unveiling the stunning preservation of the historical features, revitalising the six heritage listed shops.
It was all celebrations last Friday night, as TOTAL Queensland came away with the prestigious Master Builders Queensland Award in the category of Commercial/Industrial Building ($15-30m Brisbane) for our impressive StoreLocal Berrinba Self Storage project.
This past Sunday, TOTAL team members, along with their family and friends, came together at community locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to participate in Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event: Planet Ark’s National Tree Day.