Self-funded court fight against Aveo Nemarket is dismissed, revamp will go ahead

A group of pensioners fighting against the partial demolition and redevelopment of their retirement village have lost their court battle. Now, Aveo plans to start work on the $150m upgrade which will include new units, a wellness centre, pool and cinema.

Aveo Newmarket redevelopment has been approved. PHOTOS: Aveo

CONTROVERSIAL plans to upgrade Aveo’s Newmarket retirement community will go ahead.

Aveo Group CEO Geoff Grady said that the company had “received confirmation that approval will be granted for the proposed $150 million upgrade to its Newmarket community” to proceed.

Aveo’s plans to upgrade community facilities and 255 independent living apartments were approved by Brisbane City Council in December. A group of residents and community members, Save our Space Newmarket, lodged an appeal against the decision in the Planning and Environment Court last year. The appeal was dismissed

PREVIOUSLY:

Residents near Aveo Newmarket want development brought before full Brisbane City Council

Aveo boss answers questions about controversial Newmarket project

Aveo Newmarket redevelopment has been approved. Before development. PHOTOS: Aveo

Mr Grady said he was pleased that the development could now go ahead.

“The tastes and needs of today’s seniors have changed significantly in the three decades since Aveo Newmarket was constructed, and we are looking forward to creating a community that better aligns to their expectations,” Mr Grady said.

“The demand for retirement living in desirable city fringe locations like Newmarket is set to increase as our population ages and people want to remain within the community they are familiar with. It is extremely important that we are planning ahead to deliver the volume and type of accommodation seniors want now and into the future.”

He said the design incorporated “a central public square to support socialisation and recreation, a health and wellness centre, resident dining area and cafe, swimming pool, cinema and outdoor BBQ area”.

Aveo Newmarket redevelopment has been approved. Before development. PHOTOS: Aveo

“Our plans have been welcomed by many residents at Aveo Newmarket who recognise the positive impact the redevelopment will have and are looking forward to living in a more contemporary community with significantly upgraded amenities,” Mr Grady said.

The group who appealed the decision was contacted to comment, but declined.

The original application from Aveo Newmaket at 24 Free St attracted about 500 objections and the amended plans more than 200.

Save Our Space (SOS) has labelled even the revised plans “absurdly out of scale” and threatened to “bulldoze” residents’ units to make way for multi-level apartments

A recent Facebook post from SOS states: “The appeal against Aveo’s massive redevelopment on Free Street was dismissed. A judge ruled that it was OK for Aveo to demolish the existing villas, many which are still homes for village residents, and build 255 new apartments.”

Comments on social media include many people thanking the group for their hard work during self-funded the fight.

“My heart breaks for the villages,” one poster wrote.

“I am sorry to hear this,” wrote another. “You all tried so hard.”

An Aveo statement said: Aveo has offered to relocate current residents impacted by the initial stage of construction to other units within the community.