Major operator turns first sod on Melbourne aged care home
- Growth continues: Estia Health starts construction on a new 180-bed home in Bentleigh
- Modern design: New home to feature dementia-friendly care and premium amenities
- Expansion mode: Operator approaches 10,000 places after a string of acquisitions
- New owners: Project proceeds weeks after Estia's $2.5 billion sale
Australia’s third-largest residential aged care operator is moving ahead with a new build.
A month after Bain Capital announced the sale of Estia Health to global infrastructure investor Stonepeak and Abu Dhabi-based Axight for a reported $2.5 billion, the aged care operator has begun construction of an 180-bed aged care home in the affluent suburb of Bentleigh in Melbourne.
A 45-bed home on the site, 13km southeast of the CBD, closed in early March and has since been demolished.
The new multi-storey home will feature dementia-enabling design, a dedicated allied health area, café, salon, landscaped courtyards, premium ensuite suites, and modern community areas.
Estia CEO and Managing Director Sean Bilton said the start of construction was a significance milestone for the local community but recognised the complexities of closing the original home.
“Today marks not only the beginning of construction, but a new chapter for aged care in Bentleigh,” Sean said.
“While we look forward to what will rise from this site, we also take time to honour the legacy of the original home and the residents, families and team members.”
Managing Director of APM Group, Matthew Dole, noted the project is the first that the builder has delivered with Estia Health.
Construction is expected to be completed in early 2028.
Growth strategy
Estia Health has been pursing a strategy of rapid expansion since it was previously acquired by Bain Capital in 2023. At that time, the operator had 73 homes with approximately 6,720 places. Today, Estia has 93 homes and is approaching 10,000 places.
Most recently, the operator announced the acquisition of three Melbourne aged care homes with a total of more than 300 beds from family-owned operator Norsan.
Estia has also opened several greenfield developments including Estia Health St Ives, in Sydney in 2023, and Estia Health Aberglasslyn, in the NSW Hunter region in 2024.
