Melbourne Archbishop blesses VMCH’s $250M flagship retirement village

Victorian Not For Profit VMCH has held the official opening and blessing of its newest retirement living community, St. Clare, in Kew.

The ceremony, on 20 February, was led by the Most Rev. Peter A. Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, and celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for VMCH and the growing community calling St. Clare home.

Guests included representatives from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Catholic Development Fund – VMCH’s lender for the project – as well as members of the VMCH Board and Executive and more than 50 residents.

The $250 million flagship project for VMCH, St. Clare encompasses 103 luxury retirement residences and communal spaces, in Studley Park.

The blessing and official opening marks the culmination of years of planning and development of the biggest project ever undertaken by the the for-purpose Catholic organisation.

VMCH Board Chairman Julien O’Connell AO said St. Clare was also central to advancing VMCH’s mission.

“Retirement living developments like St. Clare enable VMCH to turn purpose into action, generating capital that supports mission‑based initiatives such as affordable housing for older people on low incomes,” Julien said, adding it was fitting the precinct was formally blessed as residents continue to build their lives and community within it.

“Many new residents have told us they value knowing their choice to live at St. Clare leaves a lasting philanthropic impact.”