Fancy living out your golden years in Graham Kennedy’s old stomping grounds?

Mar 14, 2020
The new Lendlease retirement community will be positioned on the former site of Nine Network in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond. Source: Supplied

If you’ve got downsizing on your mind and are a fan of classic Australian TV shows, then there’s a swish new retirement community that could be the ideal spot for you, because it’s built on the very site that some of our greatest Aussie sitcoms were filmed at.

Named after industry great, the late Graham Kennedy, often referred to as the King of Australian Television, Ardency Kennedy Place will be positioned on the former site of Nine Network in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond.

Developed and built by Lendlease, Ardency Kennedy Place will comprise 116 one, two and three-bedroom spacious apartments across nine levels, complemented by a full suite of facilities, including a 40 seat cinema, library, rooftop vegetable patch and function and activity spaces. A premium wellness centre will encompass an indoor pool, gym and yoga and pilates rooms.

On-site health and beauty services along with a 12-hour daily concierge service, 24-hour emergency call button and room service are also planned for what is best described as boutique, community lifestyle living, rivalling the experience of a hotel. Private transport, including the minibus, will operate daily.

The unique design takes inspiration from the iconic Federation-era red brick of neighbouring Bendigo Street, while paying homage to the former Nine Network studio’s colourful past. Its location is expected to be a key attraction for retirees looking for a city change, conveniently positioned within walking distance to the Yarra River and surrounded by a host of public transport options.

The development was recently unveiled in Victoria, and among those who attended the launch were Nine Network veteran Bert Newton and his wife Patti.

Speaking at the launch, Bert said: “The person who in my mind, built channel 9 to what it finished up being, one of the great television stations was Graham Kennedy.”

Lendlease managing director of retirement living Tony Randello said: “Each of our communities has its own unique personality and Ardency Kennedy Place will be no exception,” he said. “It’s our aspiration for this project to truly redefine luxurious, independent retirement living in Victoria.

“Ardency Kennedy Place will bring together excellence in design, services and security and feature expansive apartments, luxurious facilities, concierge services and easy access to the vibrancy of Richmond and the inner city, along with the peace of mind that comes with living in a safe and supportive community environment.”

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