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Golf simulators, market gardens, rooftop tennis courts: the new norm for retirement villages?

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If you picture life in a retirement village sitting around playing cards and crocheting, the latest village developments will change your mind.

Mark Moran Group has just released seven new apartments at its Mark Moran Vaucluse development in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Along with your ‘typical’ restaurant, bar, café, cinema, wellness spa and other amenities, it has views of the harbour and CBD from a rooftop entertaining garden, plus its own market garden.

That’s the top end of the market, but other operators are not far behind. In Brisbane, Aveo’s 19-storey Newstead village includes a virtual golf simulator, an all-weather multipurpose activity lawn and a gym specially designed for low impact exercise.

Also in Queensland, Halcyon’s Lakeside community has just unveiled a new recreation club complete with Gold Class-style cinema, rooftop tennis court, mineral salts pool and a bonus – a sunset bar for Happy Hour.

It’s a big investment – the Halcyon club cost $5 million alone – but we think it’s a smart one. Research from the recent villages.com.au National Resident Survey that amenities are a major drawcard for village residents.

Give the people what they want?

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.


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