A MAJOR expansion to the Woodlands Grove Retirement Village is well under way with Versace Home Builders constructing 52 new homes at a value of $10m.
Following development approval from Mount Gambier City Council earlier this year, the prominent building firm started construction in August.
Once the new project is complete it will bring the total number of homes in both Woodlands Grove and Hallmont Estate to 450, which will be home to over 600 residents.
This will make it one of the largest retirement lifestyle precincts in Australia.
Each home will include a double garage, two bedrooms and a study.
“When we first started 16 years, we were building single garage homes, but now we have started building the bigger homes and it has been working quite well,” owner Vince Versace said.
“We thought the time was right to build more double garage home as the demand was there.”
As well as the construction of new homes, Mr Versace said the company was continually upgrading and refurbishing older homes.
The two retirement villages have seen steady progression since the first residents moved into Woodlands Grove back in 2003.
Hallmont will also celebrate its 10-year anniversary in April next year.
“When we started at Woodlands Grove, it took a while for the concept to kick-off, but it is really amazing how it has grown since then with the addition of the Hallmont precinct 10 years ago,” Mr Versace said.
The main attractions are affordability, security and lifestyle, however Mr Versace said the community feel is what makes it so successful.
“The thing that knits it all together is people – it really is a community” Mr Versace said.
“Around 80pc of people really enjoy the networking and social aspect of being in an environment like that, but it also allows those who do not, the ability to remain independent and do their own thing.”
“It is more about people, their mental health and physical well-being, not just bricks and mortar.”
In the future, Mr Versace plans to construct a nursing home in close proximity to Woodlands Grove and Hallmont.
“This would allow residents to stay close to their current environment and friends,” he said.
“We are currently in discussion with a company and hope to progress this further in the near future.”
“Currently 25-30 residents move on to higher care every year. I would like to provide the next level of care to people wishing to access this type of accommodation close to their current home.”
