Milestone project marks first step into senior living in Victoria

Bolton Clarke has marked an important new milestone with the official start of work on its first Victorian retirement living community, Europa on Alma at St Kilda.

The community marks the organisation’s entry into senior living in Victoria, building on its existing 25 residential aged care and 25 retirement living communities in Queensland and NSW.

Bolton Clarke Chairman Pat McIntosh said it was fitting that former RDNS Board Member Lucie Jacobs, whose mother was also a Board member and close associate of District Nursing pioneer Lady Janet Clarke, turned the first sod on the new development.

“Five years ago, RDNS and RSL Care came together with a shared vision built on shared legacy of more than 200 years – RDNS as Australia’s oldest provider of home nursing and RSL Care with a proud history of service to the veteran and broader communities.

“Today, as Bolton Clarke, we are one of Australia’s most experienced and trusted providers of retirement living and at-home support.

 “This project, on the site where RDNS had its support centre for more than 20 years, is particularly significant because it draws on our shared history to create a new and innovative living option for Melbourne residents.

“Like St Kilda itself, this will be a community with a difference. It will incorporate 81 new one, two and three-bedroom apartments built around a landscaped, light-filled internal courtyard.”

The community is designed with a focus on independence and wellbeing, keeping people connected with St Kilda’s dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle that combines bayside and urban living.

All apartments are designed to be fully accessible and special features will include a dedicated cinema with bar and a private dining area leading outdoors to a patio, library and creative studio for arts, crafts and woodworking.

“There’ll also be a fully equipped gym and a sky room with expansive views,” Mr McIntosh said.

“And of course, our home support and nursing services will be available for times when people need more support. It will be wonderful to see our teams back at Alma Rd, providing services to our residents.”

Europa on Alma will offer a hotel-style concierge service to manage everything from deliveries and dog-walking to bookings for the on-site share car and ensure a secure environment.

Europa on Alma will welcome its first residents in 2021.

For more information visit the display suite at 101 St Kilda Rd or go to europaonalma.com.au