The Sisters of Compassion, a New Zealand congregation of Religious Sisters founded Loreto Home of Compassion in a house in Fox Street in 1952.

The Sisters cared for 20 residents at that location until 1974 when a new facility was built in Bardia Street. The new facility catered for 41 frail aged people.

Over the period 2000 to 2002 the Bardia Street facility was substantially rebuilt to provide single room accommodation for residents and the number accommodated increased to 50.

In late 2002 the Sisters of Compassion invited The Forrest Centre to take over the management of the facility.

In 2004 the Centre acquired ownership of the Centre.

A major building project took place during 2008 adding an additional 26 bedrooms including 10 bedrooms in a secure dementia care specific area.