Community Living Topic - Developments

GemLife breaks ground on new land lease community six months after approval

by Ian Horswill

Published March 30, 2026

GemLife breaks ground on new land lease community six months after approval — Pictured back: Rob Corner, Prendergast. Middle: Alison Rice, New Gisborne Sales Manager; Andrew Coulter, Chief Operating Officer; and Leanne Boxshall, GemLife Resort Manager, and front: Tim Berzins, GemLife Site Manager - Residential Construction; and Trevor Prendergast, Prendergast

Construction of the ASX-listed operator’s latest land lease community has commenced, following strong early interest after approval of its first stage in October last year.

GemLife’s $267 million 247-home heritage-inspired community is located in New Gisborne, north of Melbourne. The first stage will feature 116 two-bedroom plus multipurpose-room homes, along with $15 million of recreational facilities, including a cinema, café, dining area, kitchen, pool, lounge, library, and billiards room.

The development marks the operator’s second community in the Macedon Ranges by GemLife, following the completion of GemLife Woodend in 2025.

Kyneton-based Prendergast Earthmoving has been appointed to complete civil construction for New Gisborne. The family-owned business, which has been operating in the region for five decades, also worked on GemLife Woodend.

An artist's render of the courtyard in GemLife New Gisborne

GemLife Chief Operating Officer Andrew Coulter said early interest in GemLife New Gisborne had been strong, ahead of the community’s official launch next month (April 2026), with homes anticipated to start from the mid-$800,000 range.

“We’ve already received a high level of enquiry, with more than half from those already living in the Macedon Ranges in areas like Gisborne, Macedon, Kyneton and New Gisborne,” he said.

“There has also been solid interest from Melbourne’s inner, north and west, as people look to downsize to this relaxed regional area, while staying close to city connections and conveniences.

The history of the site will be maintained

The 23-hectare site offers views of the Macedon Ranges, with 35% to be dedicated to open space including established ornamental gardens, an orchard and preserved 100-year-old trees.

The restoration and modern expansion of the circa-1908 Westport Homestead into a recreational hub, by Melbourne architect Taylor Knights and landscape team Taylor Cullity Lethean, will be completed as part of the first stage.

“Honouring the site’s heritage was extremely important to us, with the restored settler home to be a true focal point of the community and a place for people to come together,” said Andrew.

“The theme will [flow] through from the gated stone and timber entry to the individual homes, which blend historic charm with a modern low-maintenance, open-plan design.”