Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle yesterday turned the first sod at The Residences, an Australian Unity retirement living development comprising 91 apartments over eight floors in Carlton. The Residences is the second stage of the $180 million Rathdowne Place Wellbeing Precinct which forms part of the Victorian Government’s Carlton Housing Redevelopment Project.

“The Residences at Rathdowne Place will offer a unique combination of architecturally designed independent living apartments with premium facilities, allied health, home care and lifestyle services alongside our award-winning Better Together model of care,” said Australian Unity Retirement Living Chief Operating Officer Cameron Holland. “We believe we have developed an inner-city living option that will integrate retirement and aged care facilities into the broader community which will enhance social connections between residents and foster relationships with the local neighbourhood.”

Created by architects Fender Katsalidis, the apartment complex is thoughtfully designed and offers access to a senior-friendly gym, hydrotherapy pool, cinema, town car, consulting and treatment suites, and a range of services and community connections that support the health and wellbeing of residents.

“A development of this kind encourages positive aging and supports independent living and choice. It is great news for older people who wish to be near family and friends when they move into retirement," said Doyle.

The second stage of the Rathdowne Place Wellbeing Precinct is due to be completed by April 2017.