A new retirement village has been given the tick of approval for construction in Woolmar, west of Kilcoy.

Somerset Regional Council approved Alliria’s development application for an over 50s retirement village at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 27 November.

The family-owned developer has a focus on providing housing choice for older Australians across boutique communities in established areas.

The Woolmar village is proposed to have 276 units and community facilities including a dining hall, commercial kitchen and bar, sporting facilities, a pool, and more.

The village will have two or three bedroom units with a bathroom, en-suite and full dwelling facilities, including a double garage.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the retirement village would be an economic boost for the Kilcoy community.

“This is going to be a large facility and will mean lots of employment opportunities in Kilcoy, both in construction and in operation,” Cr Wendt said.

“Kilcoy is a welcoming place for the retiring community, and we look forward to seeing how this development can support the town’s growth.”

Alliria National Development Manager David McKenzie said local employment was a priority for the village.

“Being our own builder we are able to source local trades people, operators and specialists who are already within the existing community,” Mr McKenzie said.

“We are operators who commit to the long term and want to engage with the community from the start.”

Cr Wendt said the facility would also address some of the housing needs of the broader Somerset region.

“This village will include housing choice and diversity, and the ‘tree change’ option for older persons from other areas,” Cr Wendt said.

“Many older residents are looking to downsize once their children leave home, and supporting this transition means larger family homes in the region can be better utilised in the housing crisis.”

The Retirement Living Council’s Better Housing for Better Health report (2023) outlines that around 30% of Australians aged over 55 years are considering downsizing their housing.

Older persons choosing retirement living do so for affordability, security, a simple lifestyle and to access amenities like those proposed for this facility.

Mr McKenzie said Alliria planned to start construction immediately.

“We have been working hard for the last couple of years to find a suitable sized location for a retirement village resort in the Somerset region,” Mr McKenzie said.

“There is a defined shortage of opportunities for locals to age in place within the overall council area with only 32 retirement beds servicing a regional population of in-excess of 20,000 people.

“We believe that the unique site that we have adjoining the racecourse will create a great opportunity to keep locals in the area without having to look for this accommodation type outside of the Somerset region.”

SRC approved a development application for a retirement village in Woolmar with 276 units and community facilities.

 

The village will include a pool, sporting facilities, a clubhouse and more. Photo credits: Alliria