GemLife’s new retirement village set for New Gisborne has been given the green light by Macedon Ranges council.
The village will now host 116 homes, up from the original 96 approved back in 2021 at the 72 Ferrier Road site.
The amendment was approved during the 22 October meeting, where councillors supported the motion.
Cr Cassy Borthwick welcomed the project.
“Today we’ve endorsed an amendment to the original application and supporting this amendment, I look forward to the developer applying their expertise to deliver a retirement village that adds genuine value to the local community,” she said.
The retirement village will be the second by GemLife in the Macedon Ranges, following the opening of GemLife Woodend in 2024.
GemLife said the new over-50s lifestyle resort will feature a total of 247 homes on the 23-hectare site, with the first phase of 116 homes receiving the final approval.
The site will include about 35 per cent of dedicated open space, including the restoration of an existing ornamental garden and orchard, and the preservation of mature 100-year-old oaks, cedars, elms and hedges.
A restored century-old homestead will also be the centrepiece of the village.
GemLife engaged Melbourne architect Taylor Knights and landscape team Taylor Cullity Lethean to reimagine the property’s circa-1908 Westport Homestead and gardens, built by the pioneering Hamilton family, into a $20 million heritage and luxury amenity hub for residents.
The exterior of the bungalow-style home will be restored to its original condition and the interior renovated with a heritage style to house a library, meeting room and traditional billiards room. Its expansive verandah will offer views of the Macedon Ranges, courtyard gardens and a lawn bowls green.
Two new contemporary Country Club buildings will be connected under one roof and feature a lounge, cafe, dining, kitchen, pool, gym, arts and crafts studio and cinema, surrounding a courtyard garden with a sculptural brick fireplace centrepiece.
GemLife managing director and group chief executive Adrian Puljich said New Gisborne’s idyllic environment was ideal for the over-50’s community.
“We’ve taken design cues from the existing settler homestead and surrounding gardens to create a community that is in keeping with the charm of this beautiful region,” he said.
“There’s huge demand and short supply of downsizer housing in the area, so we’re anticipating interest from people relocating from large properties and family homes, and from those moving here for the relaxed pace and great lifestyle on offer.”
