Levande digs into the final stage of Cardinal Freeman redevelopment

Construction on 41 new apartments at Levande’s historic Cardinal Freeman retirement community in Sydney is underway, signalling the start of the significant project’s final phase.

The redevelopment has transformed an outdated retirement village into a modern, integrated retirement living community called The Residences at Cardinal Freeman.

Planning approval was secured in 2013, and the project aimed to enhance urban design and lifestyle for retirees by complementing a suite of historic buildings with modern accommodation on the 4.1 hectare site.

Located in Ashfield, an inner-western suburb, there are already over 350 independent living units. The latest development – under the purview of Growthbuilt – will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments designed to meet the growing demand for modern, high-quality retirement living.

Levande CEO Kevin McCoy said the project reflects the company’s commitment to creating contemporary communities where retirees can thrive.

“This redevelopment marks an exciting next chapter for Cardinal Freeman, enhancing both the quality and choice of living options for current and future residents,” Mr McCoy said.

“We are proud to invest in villages like Cardinal Freeman to meet the evolving expectations of Australia’s retirees.”

While there are resort-style amenities such as a clubhouse, indoor pool, gym, bar and village green, the redevelopment’s ability to retain historic Glentworth House and Cardinal Freeman Chapel ensures that past, present and future are all embraced.

And now, after construction began in 2014, the successful demolition of the village’s former Building One is the beginning of the end. Construction of the new residences is expected to take approximately 18 months, with
residents likely moving in from late 2026.

The project was initially started by Stockland Developments at a value of $58 million. The first three stages were completed by 2019, which included the construction of new gardens, an underground car park and the majority of independent living apartments.

Levande was launched in 2022 by EQT Infrastructure following the acquisition of Stockland’s entire retirement living portfolio.

Levande continues to expand its national footprint with 58 villages nationwide and multiple new projects underway across key metropolitan and regional growth corridors. In total, there is a $3 billion pipeline of developments.

Planning is progressing at three new development sites in north-western Sydney, at three new sites in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and at two more on the Bellarine Peninsula, southwest of Melbourne.

Coupled with the rebuild and expansion of existing sites in Sydney and Melbourne, these projects will deliver almost 1,700 new homes for older Australians. The Cardinal Freeman site is a flagship example of what the organisation hopes to achieve.