The $22 million project includes 57 new apartments and eight two-storey townhouses.

Goodwin Aged Care Services chief executive Sue Levy said there was also a gym, business centre, library, games room and croquet green.

Ms Levy said the design by AMC Architecture had been informed by Goodwin's 60 years in aged care.

"I really believe The Central has raised the bar for seniors living," she said.

"The idea behind The Central was to create housing options that met the needs of contemporary seniors and would adapt as their needs changed over time, while offering easy access to services, and the surrounding community.

"The village concept provides additional social supports within a community of like-minded people, where declining mobility doesn't lead to social isolation; or where seniors are supported in continuing active, independent lifestyles."

Goodwin is a not-for-profit organisation with villages and care facilities in Ainslie, Monash and Farrer.

"Developing in the greenfield area of Crace meant we could fill a need for retirement living options in the Gungahlin area," Ms Levy said.

"Many of our residents have moved to be near grandchildren in the vicinity."

ACT seniors minister Gordon Ramsay said The Central was an excellent example of how seniors could be supported to remain socially connected.

"Facilities such as this, which provide areas to stay fit and healthy, areas to congregate and provide support to those who need a little extra help, are a great addition to the fabric of Canberra," he said.

"It helps support our seniors in the ACT to remain connected and active participants, not only in the community here at The Centre, but also the Canberra community more broadly."

Mr Ramsay said the location at Crace provides ready access to a range of social and recreational opportunities, public transport, medical and community services.

"Too often the fact that our population is ageing is spoken of in negative terms.

"Research proves that far from being a drain on our community, older people are net contributors to the economy through their engagement with their communities and families.

"Facilities such as this, which set up communities for our seniors to live and interact in, help promote this ideal and are a welcomed addition to the Canberra landscape."