Council Backs Vermont South Project
Keyton has received unanimous approval from Whitehorse City Council for its VerSo Place development in Vermont South. This approval is a significant advancement for the retirement living community in Melbourne, marking a major milestone for Keyton.
Nathan Cockerill, Chief Executive Officer of Keyton, expressed gratitude towards the council for its thorough evaluation and recognition of the project’s quality and long-term benefits. He stated, “This unanimous decision is a strong vote of confidence in our vision for VerSo Place and in the way we’ve approached this project from day one.”
VerSo Place will be developed in stages with a focus on design quality, sustainability, and integration with the local community. The planning process involved extensive consultations, leading to adjustments based on community feedback. This approach ensured the project’s alignment with the needs and expectations of the local residents.
Community Engagement and Response
Keyton proactively worked with neighbors to address concerns that arose during the development application process. Changes were made in areas such as access, landscaping, and the integration of the village with its surroundings to ensure a harmonious fit with the existing environment. “We received some objections to our proposal from our neighbors during the DA process and worked proactively with them to address the concerns raised,” Cockerill noted.
Nathan Cockerill remarked that the approval reflects the collaborative process, highlighting, “It shows what’s possible when developers, councils, and communities engage respectfully and with a shared focus on good outcomes.”
The VerSo Place development includes the adaptive reuse of a heritage building, designed to blend seamlessly with the existing neighborhood. This approach provides authentic and enduring community experiences, aligning with Keyton’s commitment to creating communities that are part of the fabric of the local area.
With planning approval secured, Keyton will proceed with early works and follow through with the staged delivery programme for VerSo Place. The company aims to maintain open communication and community engagement throughout the development process. “Reaching this point is a significant moment, but it’s also the start of the next chapter,” Cockerill stated. “We’re looking forward to moving ahead, keeping our communication and community engagement open, and delivering a development at VerSo Place everyone can be proud of.”
Keyton is a leading owner and operator of independent retirement living communities in Australia. The company manages more than 65 villages nationwide and serves over 15,000 residents. With over 30 years of experience, Keyton remains committed to creating communities that offer care and support for residents.
Looking ahead, Keyton is focused on delivering a development at VerSo Place that everyone can be proud of. The company is excited to enter the next phase of the project and continue its tradition of excellence in retirement living development.
For more information, interested parties can contact Keyton representatives Tim Mahony at 0402 059 987 or Mark Eggleton at 0430 095 111.
