First new retirement village under Keyton brand to be built
Keyton gets green light for first ground-up village
- Final approval: No appeals lodged against 218-unit VerSo Place project
- Major milestone: First greenfield retirement village by Keyton
- Long-term play: Project site held by Keyton since 2014
- Next stage: Early works continue ahead of staged delivery
The retirement village operator is celebrating after being given the go-ahead to build its first greenfield development since being formed in May 2023.
The Weekly SOURCE reported last month that Keyton’s 218-unit development had been unanimously approved. However, as there were 51 objections lodged during the public exhibition phase of the approval process, those objectors were granted 28 days to lodge an appeal for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to review of the decision.
With no appeal lodged, Keyton can move ahead with its development of VerSo Place on the long-vacant former Australian Road Research Board property in Vermont South, 26km east of Melbourne’s CBD that Keyton bought in July 2024.
There will be 218 units split across eight buildings, including two 27-metre high towers.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in our vision for VerSo Place and in the way we’ve approached this project from day one,” said Keyton Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cockerill.
“This approval ... shows what’s possible when developers, councils and communities engage respectfully and with a shared focus on good outcomes.”
With planning approval, Keyton will continue early works and progress the next phases of the project in line with its staged delivery program.
“Reaching this point is a significant moment, but it’s also the start of the next chapter,” Nathan added. “We’re looking forward to moving ahead, keeping our communication and community engagement open, and delivering a development at VerSo Place everyone can be proud of.”
