MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has given the green light for a retirement village to be built at the site of a heritage-listed former hospital in Mt Eliza after the plans were initially rejected.
The design concept proposal by developer Hengyi Pacific is for a low-rise, 104-unit village set on a 3.4-hectare estate at 33 Jacksons Rd, which is home to the former Mt Eliza Centre built in 1929-30 as the Orthopaedic Branch of the Children’s Hospital. It is recognised on the council’s heritage overlay because of its “local historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to the Shire of Mornington Peninsula”.
The decision to allow for the development comes after Hengyi submitted a proposal to build 105 low density dwellings over eight buildings at the site overlooking Canadian Bay, which was knocked back by the council in 2021 (Shire ‘no’ to ‘village’, The News 11/10/21).
At the time of reviewing the initial planning application, the council cited the proposal’s impact on the character of the neighbourhood and foreshore, loss of vegetation, heritage considerations and overdevelopment. It also noted insufficient information regarding the traffic impacts and the loss of views from surrounding properties.
After working with council to further refine the development plans, council granted a planning permit on 3 May this year but objectors appealed that decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which found in favour of the development’s opponents.
As previously reported by The News, Hengyi’s then general manager Simon Manley said after VCAT’s refusal the “pathway forward for us is clearer now” and plans for a “luxury retirement village” would be revised (Retirement village back on the drawing board, The News 22/09/22). The project now has the council’s blessing after a suite of changes to the development plans were agreed to at a conciliation conference with some concerned residents on 29 August.
Orders were made by VCAT that a permit be granted, which the council approved on 2 September. Under the revised plans, no building would be greater than two storeys nor exceed the existing eight metre height limit that applies to the site and surrounding neighbourhood. Three heritage buildings would be retained including the Chapel, the former administrative block, and the old pool house. “The restoration of these buildings will continue the connection to the area’s history while delivering continued relevance to its residents and broader community,” Hengyi stated.
Hengyi will now start the detailed design and development phase of the project with construction expected to start next year. The $175 million proposal, known as Beachleigh, is touted to provide a luxury retirement community with “resort-style amenities at its heart” and would be “set in beautifully landscaped surrounds, sympathetic to local neighbourhood character”.
Hengyi’s senior development manager Mark Nutter expressed excitement at finally obtaining a permit after four years of hard work. “The Beachleigh site is unique, and we look forward to delivering a project that respects its history and the natural beauty of the location,” he said.
Hengyi said it had worked closely with the council and listened to the community to ensure appropriate development. “The redevelopment of Beachleigh will also meet a clear demand for retirement living options from local residents, who would like to downsize but continue to live on the peninsula close to family and community networks,” it said.
The council has been contacted for comment.
First published in the Mornington News – 17 September 2024
