Summerset Retirement Villages’ historic moment in Melbourne
- Major milestone: Summerset opens its first Australian village centre
- Continuum of care: Independent living, assisted living and aged care on one site
- Growth plans: Six more Victorian villages already announced
- Long game: Cranbourne North to reach 161 homes when complete
Summerset Group Chief Executive Officer Scott Scoullar flew over from New Zealand to be present at the milestone.
Summerset’s first retirement village opened in Cranbourne North in March 2024. Scott officially launched its Cranbourne North village centre, marking a major achievement for the retirement village and aged care provider as it continues to grow its integrated “continuum of care” model in Australia.
The first two residents have moved into the village centre, which will contain 33 assisted living apartments and a 72-suite residential aged care home designed in a small-household format when complete. The retirement village will have 161 independent living homes at completion.
Summerset Retirement Villages’ Cranbourne North Village Centre
Scott said the opening signalled an important step in bringing Summerset’s model of integrated retirement living and care to Victoria.
Six further developments have been announced in Chirnside Park, Craigieburn, Drysdale, Mernda, Oakleigh South and Torquay. Summerset is also seeking to build in Mornington.
“Cranbourne North is our first Australian village, and the village centre is where community happens – where friendships form, routines are created, and residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities right on their doorstep,” Scott said.
Stewart Scott, Chief Operating Officer – Australia, said Cranbourne North reflects Summerset’s focus.
“What’s special about Cranbourne North is that residents can live independently, access a little extra support if they need it, and have 24-hour care available on-site – all within the one community,” Stewart said.
The village centres includes:
- Shared spaces including a café, lounge, library and theatre.
- Health and wellbeing facilities including a pool, spa and gym, as well as a salon.
- Social spaces including a bar and bowling green.
- Co-located assisted living and Summerset’s first residential aged care home in Australia.
Summerset purchased the Cranbourne North site in September 2019, began construction in December 2021 and delivered its first homes in December 2023. The first residents moved in during March 2024, while the village centre was completed in December 2025 following a 15-month construction period.
Three further stages are due to be completed:
- Stage 4 (19 ILUs) – expected commencement Q1 2027 and completion Q4 2027;
- Stage 5 (36 ILUs) – expected commencement Q4 2027 and completion Q4 2028; and
- Stage 6 (25 ILUs) – expected commencement Q4 2028 and completion Q4 2029.
