The Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria has revealed it will spend $26 million on extending two of its retirement villages in Melbourne.

$11.4 million will be used to build 35 single and double independent living units at its Rushall Park village in Fitzroy North.

The design of the new units will reflect contemporary style, and fit in with OCAV founding member George Seth Coppin who said the need for future housing should reflect the housing style of the times almost 150 years ago.

“We have drawn up plans with Coppin’s viewpoint in mind, as well as the very real need for us to fulfill our mission to advocate and provide affordable, safe and dignified independent homes for older Victorians in need within a village environment,” said CEO Phillip Wohlers.

Another $14.9 million development will be spent to construct 46 independent living units at its Leith Park retirement village in Eltham, bringing it to 140 units.

Currently Leith Park has 118 self-contained independent living homes, including 15 two-bedroom homes and 103 one-bedroom homes, each with a laundry, modern kitchen, bathroom and living/ dining area.

Headed up by MGS Architects, the developments have been put forward to address the shortage of affordable seniors’ housing in the area.

Victoria has one of the longest waiting times for social housing with 32,000 people on the list.

Picture: An artist’s impression of the Rushall Park redevelopment.