Levande building 582 seniors living homes in Victoria
With more than $1 billion in developments underway, is there a more prolific retirement village operator than the EQT-owned Levande?
Levande CEO Kevin McCoy has spent more time on construction sites than in the office this past week, with three major project milestones across Victoria.
The first will see 256 one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom independent living apartments, set across several buildings, with one of Levande’s largest clubhouses built in Bentleigh East, 14km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD.
The Bentleigh East retirement village forms part of the ongoing regeneration of Melbourne’s East Village precinct.
Kevin said the event represented the moment when long‑term planning begins to take physical shape.
“Days like today matter. They mark the point where ideas, planning and commitment become something tangible – a place that people will one day call home,” Kevin said.
“When complete, Levande Bentleigh East will be a welcoming residential community that supports choice, independence and connection, while fitting comfortably within an established neighbourhood.”
The second development will deliver 201 new apartments across six mid-rise buildings as part of the redevelopment of Oak Grange retirement village in Brighton East, 11km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD.
It will also include a new clubhouse and a range of resident amenities, including a heated indoor pool and spa, gym, concierge, cinema, library, hair and nail salon, dining spaces, outdoor BBQ areas, secure basement parking and CCTV-controlled access.
Levande marked the building reaching its highest point with a topping-out ceremony, including the placement of a ceremonial tree on the roof – a tradition recognising construction progress and the work of trades on site.
The Oak Grange project is being delivered across three stages, with Stage 1 expected to be completed in late 2026, with the Clubhouse positioned in the first release.
“Many of our current residents were temporarily relocated during the construction works, so personally, I can’t wait to see them move into their brand new homes, relax and take in the city views,” Kevin said.
The final development will see 125 new apartments built across three stages, with a clubhouse and communal facilities at Highton, a premium, residential suburb on the southwest side of the Barwon River in Geelong.
Levande marked the start of construction at Highton, which sits opposite Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, around 7km south of the Geelong CBD, with an on-site commencement ceremony and sod turning on Thursday, 19 March.
“With close proximity to shopping, healthcare, education and public transport, the Highton location will offer future residents both independence and convenience within a vibrant, evolving community,” Kevin said.
Kevin added the three projects deliver wider housing benefits.
“Most future residents will come from the local area, allowing them to stay close to familiar streets, services and social networks,” he said.
“At the same time, downsizing into retirement living frees up family homes for the next generation, playing a quiet but important role in easing housing pressure.”
