The opening of the leisure centre at Living Choice’s Woodcroft retirement village has heralded a new era for the residents, some of whom had been waiting more than 20 years for the leisure centre to be built by the previous owner.

Living Choice’s owners, Adelaide-based Ian Tregoning and Graham Hobbs, purchased the village (formerly known as Fernleigh Gardens Retirement Village) in 2015. At that time the village comprised of 129 villas and 28 apartments.

Less than three years later the leisure centre, a further 54 villas and six apartments have been built, plus 20 homes have been refurbished.

The leisure centre has exceeded all expectations according to Residents’ Chairman, Doug Tilley. It includes an indoor heated pool, auditorium with dance floor, cinema, library and billiards area as well as a bar, hair salon and art and craft studio.

Onkaparinga Mayor, Lorraine Rosenberg, described the leisure centre as the “flagship of what can be achieved” and praised Living Choice’s philosophy of encouraging integration by offering services such as a health and wellness centre which will be open to the public.