The New Zealand developer has recently purchased their eighth property in and around Melbourne since arriving around 2012, accounting for at least half of new village development in the city.

Their first village, Weary Dunlop, opened at Wheelers Hill in 2014 whilst the first residents are just about to move into their Nellie Melba village at Brandon Park. Site work is due to start at their Coburg site later this year.

In addition, Ryman Healthcare has sites for new villages at Burwood East in Melbourne, Geelong and Mt Eliza and Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula.

Ryman Healthcare is planning to build its eighth village at Aberfeldie which is located 9km north-west of Melbourne’s CBD, between the airport and the city, and close to a supermarket and retail precinct.

The new resort-style village, which will follow the New Zealand model of co-located retirement living and aged care will cater for more than 200 residents on its one-hectare site. Amenities will include an indoor pool, hair and beauty salons, a bowling green, and a movie theatre.

According to Ryman Healthcare Chief Development Officer Andrew Mitchell, Aberfeldie was a perfect site for a Ryman village as there is real shortage of retirement care options in the wider Essendon and Moonee Ponds area.

Mr Mitchell added that Ryman would consult with Aberfeldie residents before submitting plans for the village but he believes residents will like the concept of a Ryman-style village in the area offering a continuum of care.

Ryman Healthcare consults with residents before naming its villages and the company’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Debbie McClure said suggestions were welcome as they have found that the best ideas come from the people who know the place well.