Celebrating 10 Years at Litchfield: A Decade of Community and Connection at Kingsford Terrace
Celebrating 10 Years at Litchfield: A Decade of Community and Connection at Kingsford Terrace
The end of 2025 marks a truly special milestone for Litchfield, the first building at Kingsford Terrace and the foundation of the village we know today. Over the past decade, what began as a single 34-apartment building has grown into a thriving community of around 250 apartments and nearly 400 residents.
This anniversary isn’t just about marking time; it’s about honouring the people who shaped Litchfield from its earliest days and celebrating the strong, supportive community that has grown ever since.
From Vision to Reality: The Early Days
When Tim Russell and Mark Taylor founded Aura in 2016, their vision was clear: to create development-led retirement communities centred on connection, quality, and a genuine sense of belonging.
“At the time we acquired Kingsford Terrace, there was one existing building known as Litchfield,” Mark recalls. “The rest of the site was undeveloped, so we redid the master plan to develop the balance of the village.”
Mark adds, “We knew it was important to deliver a sense of community from the very beginning. That meant building the community facility early so residents could gather, meet, and truly feel at home.”
That approach became central to shaping Kingsford Terrace into the vibrant village it is today.
The First Residents: Pioneers of the Community
The earliest residents of Litchfield were more than neighbours; they were the pioneers of a new village.
Wayne and his wife Di were the first residents to move into Litchfield, arriving in mid-November 2015.
“We’ve never regretted it,” Wayne recalls. “We were literally the first residents to move in. There’s even a silver shovel at the [Aura] headquarters with our names on it.”
Shortly after, residents like Val Donovan and Ann Hansen arrived, forming the village’s early core.
Val remembers how quickly friendships formed, even before there were community facilities.
“We were the second couple to move in,” Val says.
“Before everything was built, we held Easter parties, Friday drinks, shared lunches… we made our own community.”
These small, resident-led traditions set the tone for the culture that still defines Kingsford Terrace.
Not everything was easy in the beginning. Some commitments left by the previous owner needed to be addressed, and construction around the site meant ongoing disruption.
But one thing was constant: residents placed their trust in Tim, Mark, and the early Aura team, who worked closely with them through every stage of the village’s evolution.
“They took a real interest beyond their own apartment,” Tim says of the early residents.
“They helped in the gardens, supported each other, and really embraced the development as it grew.”
Life at Litchfield: Stories from Residents
Across a decade of growth, long-term residents such as Val, Ann, Wayne, Di, Joan, and Jan have seen Litchfield transform from a quiet standalone building into a lively community.
Early traditions created by residents included:
- Informal walking groups
- Shared dinners and drinks
- Friday drinks
- Monthly lunches
- Community Drinks
- New Year’s Eve parties
These weren’t official programmes; they were resident-driven moments that formed the social fabric of Litchfield.
Joan and Jan say that even simple gestures mattered:
“It’s lovely having friends next door or popping down to the café together,” Joan says.
“If someone needs a jar opened or a spider dealt with at night, you can rely on your neighbours.”
Wayne shares a similar view:
“It’s the best decision we ever made. It’s not like an [residential] apartment block here; if something goes wrong, help is just downstairs. And you feel safe. You feel part of something.”
Val reflects on how connection eased difficult moments:
“This community supported me through losing my husband. Being here made all the difference. It’s secure, caring, and full of people who look out for each other.”
These stories, layered across ten years, reveal what makes Litchfield so special: a village built not just by planning, but by people.
The Village Today
A decade on, Litchfield is now part of a thriving multi-building village with a rich social calendar and facilities that support wellbeing, independence, and connection.
Where the early days were quieter, today residents enjoy:
- Exercise classes
- Gym access
- Mahjong and cards
- Café catch-ups
- Morning teas and afternoon drinks
- Gardening groups
- Community celebrations
The café has become a gathering place, while balconies and gardens offer peaceful retreats with leafy views across the surrounding area.
Even during the challenges of COVID-19, residents found ways to stay connected, waving to each other from balconies, checking in regularly, and finding creative ways to maintain community spirit.
“We are very grateful to be here,” Val says. “It’s a lovely community and we’ve made good friends.”
Looking Back, Moving Forward
The growth of Litchfield reflects the evolution of Kingsford Terrace itself. The village has expanded from a single building of 34 apartments to a thriving community with six buildings, beautifully designed homes, landscaped gardens, and a strong resident-led culture.
Tim reflects on the milestone, “The 10-year milestone is fitting, especially as we commission the final building. It marks the completion of a significant chapter for residents and for Aura.”
Mark adds, “Early residents saw a lot of change, from construction inconveniences to the village becoming what it is today. Our goal has always been to create a sense of belonging, not just apartments.”
Left to Right: Val, Mark, Jan, Tim and Ann
A Place to Truly Belong
As Litchfield celebrates 10 years, the stories, friendships, challenges, and triumphs shared by residents highlight what makes Kingsford Terrace truly special: a place not just to live, but to belong.
The first residents laid the foundations, and each new resident has helped build the warm, inclusive community that thrives today.
Here’s to the next decade of connection, growth, and shared life at Litchfield, the building where it all began.
