RETIREMENT village operator Ryman Healthcare says it scaled back plans for a multi-storey development in Kunyung Road, Mount Eliza, to more align with community views – not because of a lack of interest from potential buyers.
Objectors are opposed to the retirement village being built on land they say should be zoned green wedge.
Victorian development manager David Laing said the company in 2018 held four on-site community open days.
“We were encouraged by the level of support we received at those open days, and we took on board constructive feedback from some close neighbours,” he said.
One apartment building was deleted from the plan some setbacks increased.
“This decision had nothing to do with demand for the village,” Mr Laing said.
Plans for the $80 million development lodged with Mornington Peninsula Shire late last year include six four-storey buildings, two four-storey wings attached to the existing mansion, three three-storey buildings, place of worship and 362 car spaces. There will be 272 apartments, including 55 assisted living units and 217 independent living units, and 124 aged care beds (“Deadline for Ryman protest” The News 12/5/20).
Ryman’s Victorian sales and community relations manager Debra Richardson said demand by prospective residents was “incredibly strong”.
“More than 350 people have signed up to go into our sales database – the overwhelming majority of them Mt Eliza locals,” she said.
“The local interest in moving into the village far exceeds what we expected, and what we’ve seen at other retirement villages we have built.”
Mr Laing said the village would “significantly reduce demand on existing health services [and] free up housing stock in the area”.
First published in the Western Port News – 27 May 2020
