Gold Coast-based Lineal Developments has lodged a development application with the Victorian Government to build 85 apartments with in-home care exclusively for retirees in the heart of the city, 72km southwest of Melbourne's CBD.
The 2355sqm site for the 12-storey vertical village is being created from nine parcels of land that are currently mostly vacant buildings or unkempt land. 
The development will feature one- to three-bedroom apartments which prospective residents can buy, plus entry and exit fees, and a monthly service fee. The building will include an arts and craft workshop, bar and billiards room, gym, lounge, and a 232sqm communal terrace on level 11. There would also be an allied health facility, day spa, cafe, and a 586sqm “farmers’ market” located on the south-west corner of the site.
“The farmers’ market’s co-location with the retirement living dwellings will provide benefits to residents as they age and experience mobility issues,” the application states.
“It is optimally placed to also service a broader resident, worker and visitor catchment in central Geelong.”
The proposed development is 41 metres high, which is 13 metres above the maximum building height for the area stipulated in the State Government's Central Geelong Framework Plan. The Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny can approve developments above the height stipulation.
“The site comprises an amalgamation of smaller parcels to create a prominent development site which is suitable to accommodate a taller built form than contemplated under the preferred maximum height controls,” the application contends.
“The proposal will contribute to housing diversity objectives in the municipality by providing a unique retirement living typology in a well-connected location.”
You can find other retirement villages in the Geelong area on villages.com.au.
