The project will create seven new homes and improved healthcare, entertainment and leisure facilities for all residents.

The first stage of expansion will build a modern residents’ clubhouse with a lounge and billiards area, multi-purpose community room, kitchen and servery as well as additional, professional rooms for consultation and treatments with external healthcare providers.

Stockland will also build seven new low-maintenance homes designed to meet the modern needs and expectations of retirees and do other upgrade works, including new landscaping at the village entrance.

The work will start later this month and is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Stockland regional development manager Daniel Milentijevic said the south-west coast “continued to increase in popularity as a great place to retire, with more than 100 residents currently living in Stockland’s Gillin Park Retirement Village and enjoying the area’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.”

“We’re expanding and improving Gillin Park Retirement Village to keep pace with demand from a new generation of active retirees who want to live in a friendly village environment.

“The interest in this redevelopment has been positive, reflecting the attractiveness of the region and the demand for quality retirement living options in the area,” Mr Milentijevic said.

Stockland, which sold the Gillin Park aged care centre to Opal Aged Care in 2014, last year received approval from Warrnambool City Council for a development plan for the retirement village.

The plan included building 44 villa-style homes over three stages, expanding existing serviced apartments, building the clubhouse and upgrading landscaping. 

Stockland applied last October for planning permits for the expansion.