Odyssey builds its own future with new company

Odyssey recently appeared in the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Prime Site section. Driven by an ongoing commitment to create a better model of ageing for Australians while ensuring value, exceptional care and long-term sustainability, Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities has launched its own construction company. Staffed with senior industry veterans, Odyssey Built commenced operations at Odyssey’s Hope Island project in October, with future communities Burleigh Waters and others scheduled to follow.

Odyssey founder Phil Usher says the initiative represents a natural evolution for the organisation and strengthens their ability to oversee quality, efficiency and consistency at every stage. “Our Robina and Chevron Island communities were built by tier-one builders who did an incredible job, what we’re doing now is simply the next step. We’ve taken the same hands-on approach in other areas, such as care and food services, which has enabled us to achieve excellent outcomes. Odyssey Built keeps us connected to every part of the process, ensuring our decisions are fast, informed and always aligned with what our residents want and need, which is something we understand really well.”

Mr Usher says the launch makes both economic and operational sense given Odyssey’s growing portfolio of communities.

“We have a strong pipeline for the next decade and direct involvement in the construction process means efficiencies that translate into lower costs for residents, which is one of our key objectives. We get full transparency about every cost, meaning if we had the choice of something that is dearer but as an operator it lasts longer and delivers a better experience for residents, we’ll go with that option.”

While works are underway at Hope Island, and with Burleigh Waters to follow, Odyssey will now turn its focus towards the southern Gold Coast.

“This is an area in dire need of quality accommodation and care options for the elderly, and our next goal will be to secure a site somewhere between Coolangatta and Palm Beach,” Phil says.

Backed by a specialist construction project management firm, Odyssey Built will employ a team of around 20 and is expected to generate thousands of jobs once subcontractors are engaged.