Levande’s $70m Highton retirement village plan before council

Plans for a transformative retirement village which would house more than 200 people are currently before council.

The clubhouse design included in the plans for Levande's proposed $70m Highton retirement village. Picture: Levande

A $70m plan would see a plot of land in Highton become a massive retirement village.

Submitted to council in October last year, the plans would see 125 self containedunits built on a site opposite the Waurn Ponds shopping centre.

The major development would have the capacity to house more than 200 people, with the units including private carparking within attached garages.

Inside, each unit would contain its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and living space to allow for independent living.

There would be five separate types of single storey villas, featuring a variety of different specs, as well as two different types of under-over duplex dwellings.

One of the villa designs included in the plans for Levande's proposed $70m Highton retirement village. Picture: Levande

And another. Picture: Levande

The centrepiece of the project would be a clubhouse building, located at the southern end of the development, which will provide residents with communal facilities.

The two-storey clubhouse would contain a balcony overlooking a proposed artificial wetland, as well as floor to ceiling windows.

The centre would be run by retirement living brand Levande, which purchased the 4.71ha property in August last year.

The deal for the land was worth in excess of $20m.

Levande, chaired by David Gonski, has been acquiring key sites around Australia with the aim of not only growing but also investing in and refurbishing its portfolio of assets, which includes 58 retirement communities.

David Gonski, prominent businessman who led Labor’s Gonski education reforms, is the chair of Levande.

Construction of the village would occur in three separate stages, subject to development approval, with the company anticipating construction to begin in March 2026, and the first villas to be delivered in January 2027.

Levande anticipates there will be high demand for the units, due to the sheer number of older Australians looking to downsize, with the expectation the community will consist of both Highton locals, and people looking to move to the area.

A company spokesman said the location was chosen for its amenity and future growth potential.

Retirement living brand Levande has acquired a circa 5ha Highton site amid expansion plans in the Geelong region. The site is at 140-150 and 152-156 Colac Rd and 246-248 South Valley Rd, Highton.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Levande to the Geelong region, especially on such an

ideal site for retirement living. With proximity to shopping, healthcare, education

and public transport, the Highton location will offer our future residents both

independence and convenience within a vibrant, evolving community,” he said.

“Geelong — and Highton in particular — has seen strong population growth as more

people seek a lifestyle change out of Melbourne and surrounding regions. Our aim is to

meet this demand with thoughtful, age-appropriate housing that supports a connected

and fulfilling retirement

The plans are currently out for public comment, which will close on May 13.

Originally published as Levande’s $70m Highton retirement village plan before council