The One Fell Swoop sponsored award, which will be announced at the Retirement Living Council’s annual National Retirement Living Summit in Brisbane from 18-20 June, is for new developments that have been completed in the previous five years, have been operating for at least one year as at 30 June 2024 and have not previously won the Award.
The category is split into three categories: large operator, small operator and land lease. The finalists are:
Large Operator
Aveo Sunset Palms, Palmview, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Project Team: Developer - Aveo, Architect - UltraLinea, Planner - Project Urban, Builder - Integral Constructions, Quantity Surveyor - GRC, Electrical - Building Services Design, Civil - Peak Urban; Structural - Empire Engineering, and Landscape - Project Urban.
"Aveo’s Sunset Palms on the Sunshine Coast is the essence of a contemporary retirement community, providing 89 architect-designed villas in a peaceful, gated sanctuary. Opened in 2019, it features energy-efficient designs and resort-style facilities. By 2027, it will expand to 135 dwellings for retirees seeking to live independently in quality, age-appropriate homes with lifestyle and wellness facilities close to the coast. The development has been warmly received, achieving strong sales and returns beyond initial expectations," said Aveo's nomination.
Ardency Kennedy Place, Richmond, 3km east of Melbourne's CBD
Project Team: Developer - Keyton, Architect - Bates Smart, Planner - Contour Planning, Builder - Hamilton Marino Builders, Consultant - Stantec, and Landscape - Aspect Landscaping.
"Ardency Kennedy Place is Keyton’s premier retirement community. Close to Melbourne’s CBD, it offers luxurious residences and exceptional services. Designed by Bates Smart, it features 116 spacious apartments, a rooftop terrace, and resort-style amenities while integrating local heritage, energy-efficient infrastructure, and a personalised wellbeing program. Ardency Kennedy Place provides the perfect setting for living exceptionally," said Keyton's nomination.
Hawkins Place by Uniting, Leichhardt, 5km west of Sydney's CBD
Project Team: Developer - Uniting NSW.ACT, Architect - MDP Architecture, Planner - GYDE, Builder - GrowthBuilt, Other - Newton Fisher Group.
"Hawkins Place by Uniting is a boutique retirement village in Leichhardt, offering 49 modern apartments designed for seniors seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle. Completed in January 2022, it blends contemporary design with heritage surroundings, featuring a rooftop garden, clubroom, and 153 sqm of retail space, home to the Uniting Seniors Gym. With 20 per cent of apartments allocated to social and affordable housing, Hawkins Place promotes inclusivity and sustainability, creating a welcoming community for all residents," said the Not For Profit's nomination.
Jasmine Grove by IRT: Co-housing for Older Single Women, Kanahooka, a southern suburn of Wollongong, NSW
Project Team: Developer - IRT Group, Architect - Edmiston Jones, Planner - MMJ Real Estate and Builder - MJH Multi.
"Jasmine Grove is a trailblazing independent housing community located within the Henry Brooks Estate at IRT Kanahooka, addressing housing insecurity and social isolation among older single women. Combining affordability, sustainability, and intentional design, it offers secure, self-contained villas alongside vibrant shared spaces that foster connection and independence. Completed on budget, Jasmine Grove has garnered national and international acclaim for its innovative, replicable model, and is an example of how affordable, community-driven housing solutions can change lives," stated IRT's nomination.
The Verge at Burleigh G.C. Retirement Village, Miami, Gold Coast, Queensland
Project Team: Developer - RetireAustralia, Architect - O'Neill Architecture, Planner - RPS Group, Builder - Hutchinson Builders, Consultant - CUSP (Landscape Architect) and Financier - ANZ Corporate Finance.
"The Verge Retirement Village on the Gold Coast is designed to meet the evolving needs of older Australians. With 168 premium apartments built to the Livable Housing Australia Gold Standard, it offers adaptable living, allowing residents to age in place. A 24/7 nurse-led Care Hub provides high-acuity care in a homelike setting, offering a genuine alternative to traditional aged care. Located near Burleigh’s beaches, medical services, and social amenities, it delivers a balance of accommodation, care, and community," stated the nomination from RetireAustralia..
Small Operator
Blueheath at The Bower, Medowie, a suburb of Port Stephens, NSW
Project Team: Developer - Principle Living, Architect - SDA, Builder - Patterson Building Group, Consultant - Acor Consultants, and Studio Duo Architecture and Interiors.
"Blueheath is Principle Living (PL)’s launch community, creating a vibrant, connected community comprising 112 villas which offer our residents beautiful, architecturally and senior-friendly designed homes, and a lifestyle that realises their retirement and downsizing dreams. Our exclusive ‘myRetirement’ service offering supports residents who are looking for a personalised, concierge and wellbeing offering, and the peace of mind that care, when needed, can be navigated and coordinated by the PL team. This includes a unique ‘Care Hub’ to support an onsite ‘home care provider," stated the nomination from Principle Living.’.
Lakeside Development, Capel Sound, 61km south of Melbourne's CBD
Project Team: Developer - Community Villages Australia, Architect - Akitech, Builder - Agede Care Developments.
"Village Glen sought to blend the luxury and amenity of a hotel with the comfort and familiarity of home to create the perfect apartments for residents. The Lakeside apartments are centrally located within the village, adjacent to a range of amenities including CJ’s Lounge, the hairdresser, residents’ convenience shop, nurse’s office and clinic, and Village Reception. The ground floor contains extensive social areas including the Palms dining room, Jake’s Bar, a ‘gold class’ cinema, and meeting room/auditorium," stated the nomination.
Somerset Indooroopilly by Aura Holdings, 8km from Brisbane's CBD
Project Team: Developer - Aura Holdings, Architect - Cox Architecture, Planner - Urbis, Builder - Woollam Construction, and Financier - ANZ Banking Group.
"Somerset Indooroopilly by Aura Holdings is more than well-appointed retirement living – it responds thoughtfully to the evolving needs of an ageing population and urban growth while preserving community assets. Nestled within the rolling greens and tree-lined fairways of the expansive Indooroopilly Golf Club, it embraces medium-density living and the concept of 'ageing in place'. Somerset Indooroopilly’s age-friendly design elements support residents’ changing needs while promoting independence, well-being, and a sense of community," stated Aura's nomination.
BASScare - Morgan Glen Iris, 10km southeast of Melbourne's CBD
Project Team: Developer - Boroondara Aged Services Society (BASScare), Architect - Smith + Tracey Architects , Planner - Urbis, Builder - GRC Buxton, Consultant - One Fell Swoop, and Financier, ANZ Bank and other, McMullin.
"BASScare’s Morgan Glen Iris is an upscale assisted living community that redefines ageing in place through an innovative and adaptable model of support. Situated in a tranquil cul-de-sac beside Back Creek Reserve, the community combines considered architecture with a personalised service approach, supporting prolonged independence and holistic wellbeing. Residents enjoy an elevated living experience with flexible support services and boutique hotel-style amenities, all within a tranquil environment inspired by the surrounding landscape," stated the nomination by BASScare.
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