Seven storeys, 172 new units: Knox Council green lights retirement village towers opposite Westfield shopping centre

The project would level 28 existing units to make way for building the two apartment buildings, as well as a community hub.

Author

Matthew Sims
June 09, 2026

Two new apartment buildings with 172 units will be built opposite the Westfield Knox Shopping Centre, with retirement living operator Levande already relocating some residents to make way for the expansion of its existing retirement village. 

✍️ What happened? Located at 466 Burwood Highway, the Levande Knox retirement village currently consists of 204 units.

  • On Monday May 25, Knox councillors voted to grant a planning permit for the construction of an additional 172 new units within two apartment-style buildings – with part of one set to reach seven storeys or 24 metres high.

  • The development will require the demolition of 28 existing units and communal facilities, with a new community hub set to include a cafe, gym, games, room, pool, sauna and social spaces.

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The majority of councillors argued knocking back the proposal would open the council up to a tribunal battle.

😡 Not happy: Knox Council received 15 objections against the proposal and four letters of support, with concerns raised including loss of privacy and overshadowing.

📦 Shifting spaces: According to a spokesperson for Levande, staff members on site have already co-ordinated moving five residents living in units marked for demolition, with more moves planned over the coming weeks.

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Areas in Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully and The Basin were flagged as potential landslip or mudslide risk zones.

🏗️ Building up: Located within the Knox Central Major Activity Centre, a number of councillors said the project satisfied the focus to deliver high-density housing within the area.

  • Knox councillor Susan Pearce said she believed the new units would provide ageing residents with appropriate lifestyle options, including easy access to Westfield Knox.

  • 🗣️ “Our current housing stock is inadequate to meet demand,” Pearce told the chamber.