Catholic for-purpose organisation VMCH has applied to build a new $35 million five-storey retirement living facility with 56 apartments in Ivanhoe East, about 8km from Melbourne’s CBD.

There will be one-, two- and three-bedroom independent living units, with a roof-top terrace, cinema, wine room, gymnasium, lounge, cafe, restaurant, and a chapel. The facility is designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects.

Of the 56 planned apartments, six will be one bedroom, 37 will be two bedrooms and the remaining 13 will be three bedrooms. There will be basement level parking for 81 cars, and about 1370sqm of exterior communal space.

Melbourne planning consultants Human Habitats, who lodged the application on behalf of VMCH (Villa Maria Catholic Homes), said the site has a history of seniors living and specialist accommodation.

“Presently across the site is a decommissioned residential aged-care facility and 23 independent living units,” Human Habitats wrote.

“The buildings have reached their useful life expectancy and are no longer fit-for-purpose.”

VMCH already has permission from The City of Boroondara to build a Woods Bagot-designed 108-apartment retirement living facility at its 1.6ha site in Studley Park, Kew, 5km east of Melbourne’s CBD. It is also developing plans for new retirement living facilities in Box Hill, 14km east of the CBD, Wantirna, 24km east of the CBD, and Bundoora, 15km northeast of the CBD.