A sod turning ceremony has marked the start of construction of a new $70 million 177-bed residential aged care home over six levels to be built in Knoxfield, 27km east of Melbourne's CBD, by Infinity Constructions.

Chris Smith, Australian Unity Healthcare Property Health Care Trust General Manager, said the home, to be known as Infinite Care Knox, will give investors the "unique opportunity to participate in the growth of the nation's aged care sector while benefitting from the income generated by the 25-year lease with Infinite Care." 

The facility, which is owned by the $3.7 billion Australian Unity Healthcare Property Trust and operated by Infinite Care, will have dining and recreation amenities, an onsite cafe, and club floor that will overlook the Waterford Valley Golf Course and Dandenong Ranges. The site is set to open its doors in December 2025.

Tony Partridge, Joint Managing Director of Infinite Care, which operates 17 aged care homes in NSW, Queensland and South Australia, said the Knoxfield development is sorely needed.

"This home will improve thousands of lives in future years. We're proud to embark on this project with Australian Unity," he said.

The project is managed by Connect Project Management.