VMCH has announced that a ministerial planning permit has been granted for its newest premium retirement living precinct, St Francis on the Park, in Ivanhoe East.
The exciting milestone follows more than two years of dedicated planning and community engagement by the Catholic aged-care organisation, and meets growing demand for local retirees wanting to age in place.
Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, the development includes 58 premium apartments and world-class amenities, with sweeping views and direct access to Ivanhoe Park. The landscape design, led by specialists Oculus, reflects a commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural environment, integrating the project with its beautiful surroundings.
The population of residents over the age of 65 living in Ivanhoe and surrounds is expected to grow from 29,000 to 34,035 by 2032. The state government’s Ageing Well in Victoria Action Plan 2022–2026 notes older people want to age in place within their local neighbourhood and community.
A ministerial planning permit is granted directly by the Minister for Planning, typically for projects that are considered important to the state, such as housing and aged care.
This project not only meets a clear need for local, high-quality retirement living, but also strengthens our ability to deliver vital services to those who need them most.
VMCH CEO Sonya Smart says proceeds from the sale of residences at St Francis on the Park will directly support VMCH’s mission-driven initiatives, including affordable homes.
‘This site [on Lower Heidelberg Road] was formerly home to outdated affordable housing which no longer served its residents. In 2023, we were proud to build a new, purpose-built affordable homes development in nearby Ford Street Ivanhoe, called Trinity Lane. The award-winning development provides 39 modern and accessible apartments for older people on low incomes and people with disability,’ Ms Smart says.
‘Now, two years later, we are pleased to finally begin work on St Francis on the Park. This project not only meets a clear need for local, high-quality retirement living, but also strengthens our ability to deliver vital services to those who need them most. Importantly, retirement developments like St Francis also help free up stock for young families struggling to enter the housing market. This decision is a win for the community, for our future residents and for our mission.’
Demolition of the existing buildings is scheduled to commence shortly, with the display suite opening in 2026. The project will create up to 300 jobs during the construction process, and a further 25 permanent jobs when operational, delivering an approximate $260,000,000 in economic value to Victoria.
‘We look forward to continuing to engage with neighbours, local businesses and community groups throughout the development process,’ Ms Smart says. ‘I’d like to thank Planning Minister the Hon Sonya Kilkenny for her support of our vision to provide more homes for older Australians who want to age locally, surrounded by their loved ones and established communities. We also extend our gratitude to State Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines for his support.’
Ms Smart is also grateful to VMCH’s development team ‘for their tenacity, diligence and dedication shown throughout this long process. Their efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of many for years to come,’ she says.
St Francis on the Park joins VMCH’s other premium retirement communities in nearby Camberwell and Hawthorn, and its $250m flagship project nearing completion in Kew, St Clare.
