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Bert Newton Retirement Village
A Fresh Perspective on Retirement Living
The Bert Newton Retirement Village in Highett, Victoria, offers luxurious living for 250 residents. With independent apartments, assisted living, and a care center, it provides seamless aged care. Amenities include a café, bar, pool, and cinema. Developed by Ryman Healthcare, it reflects innovation, quality, and a holistic approach to care.
Ryman Healthcare, a leader in retirement living and aged care, has successfully completed construction of its prestigious Bert Newton Retirement Village in Highett, Victoria.
This luxurious development showcases Ryman’s commitment to innovative design, exceptional resident services, and a holistic approach to aged care, offering a continuum of care within a single, vibrant community. The project highlights not only Ryman’s dedication to quality but also its resilience in navigating unforeseen challenges.
The Bert Newton Village provides a diverse range of accommodation options, catering to individual needs and preferences. From fully independent apartments to serviced apartments offering assisted living, and a 79-bed care centre providing low care, high care, and specialist dementia care, residents can seamlessly transition within the village as their needs evolve. This ‘continuum of care’ model is a cornerstone of Ryman’s philosophy, ensuring residents can age in place with dignity and support.
“From assisted living services and specialist care to fully independent apartments and resort-style amenities, the Ryman model empowers residents to design their own retirement experience and ensures no one is left behind,” said Andrew Moulding, Design Practice Lead Australia.
This philosophy is reflected in the village’s extensive amenities, creating a self-contained hub for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. Residents enjoy access to a café, bar, shop, hair and beauty salon, workshop, craft room, billiard room, library, swimming pool, spa, and gym.
For aged care residents, dedicated lounge and dining areas and tranquil outdoor spaces provide comfortable and supportive environments. The inclusion of specialised dementia care further underscores Ryman’s commitment to providing comprehensive, tailored services.
Commencing in mid-2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced unforeseen logistical hurdles. Ryman and its construction teams swiftly adapted by implementing rigorous safety protocols and revising project timelines to address labor shortages and evolving trade contractor availability. Adding to the complexity, Ryman also had to navigate unpredictable weather conditions.
The project team leveraged the versatility of precast concrete, incorporating textured form liners to introduced intricate patterns and visual depth to the surfaces, while satin finishes provided a sleek and refined aesthetic, without the need of additional materials or trades. The result is a visually striking and cost-effective solution.
The final development comprises 209 residential units: 85 independent apartments, 45 serviced apartments, and a
79-bed care centre. The design seamlessly blends luxury with practicality, providing residents with spacious, comfortable accommodations and access to a full range of amenities within a beautifully landscaped setting.
Ryman’s origins are rooted in a commitment to raising the standards of aged care. In 1983, co-founder Kevin Hickman envisioned a different model of care. His experience, coupled with his business partnership with John Ryder, led to the creation of Ryman Healthcare, built upon the philosophy of providing ‘single rooms with ensuites’, and a higher standard of living.
The Ryman recipe, established decades ago, remains effective: prime locations, meticulous design and construction, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Today, Ryman Healthcare operates 49 retirement villages across Australia and New Zealand, providing exceptional care and support to over 14,000 residents.
The Bert Newton Retirement Village stands as a testament to this legacy, exemplifying the company’s commitment to creating thriving communities where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, complete with peace of mind and security.
Construction of additional apartment blocks continues, further expanding the village’s capacity and solidifying Ryman Healthcare’s position as a leader in the aged care sector.
For more information contact Ryman Healthcare website www.rymanhealthcare.com.au
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© 2025 InBuild Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. This image is the property of The Australian National Construction Major Project Review, published by InBuild Media Pty Ltd. It may be shared in digital spaces only as part of direct link sharing to the original digital file. Any other reproduction, modification, or distribution without written permission from InBuild Media Pty Ltd is strictly prohibited. For inquiries, please contact artwork@ancr.com.au
© 2025 InBuild Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. This image is the property of The Australian National Construction Major Project Review, published by InBuild Media Pty Ltd. It may be shared in digital spaces only as part of direct link sharing to the original digital file. Any other reproduction, modification, or distribution without written permission from InBuild Media Pty Ltd is strictly prohibited. For inquiries, please contact artwork@ancr.com.au
© 2025 InBuild Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. This image is the property of The Australian National Construction Major Project Review, published by InBuild Media Pty Ltd. It may be shared in digital spaces only as part of direct link sharing to the original digital file. Any other reproduction, modification, or distribution without written permission from InBuild Media Pty Ltd is strictly prohibited. For inquiries, please contact artwork@ancr.com.au
© 2025 InBuild Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. This image is the property of The Australian National Construction Major Project Review, published by InBuild Media Pty Ltd. It may be shared in digital spaces only as part of direct link sharing to the original digital file. Any other reproduction, modification, or distribution without written permission from InBuild Media Pty Ltd is strictly prohibited. For inquiries, please contact artwork@ancr.com.au
© 2025 InBuild Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. This image is the property of The Australian National Construction Major Project Review, published by InBuild Media Pty Ltd. It may be shared in digital spaces only as part of direct link sharing to the original digital file. Any other reproduction, modification, or distribution without written permission from InBuild Media Pty Ltd is strictly prohibited. For inquiries, please contact artwork@ancr.com.au
Vamp Cranes enhanced the Bert Newton Retirement Village project with specialised crane services, prioritising efficiency and safety
Case StudiesVamp Cranes made a significant impact on the Bert Newton Retirement Village project, providing specialised crane and rigging services that ensured efficient and safe operations. Vamp Cranes handled mobile cranage, tower crane crew labour and rigging for the project.
“Our practice spans from general lifts to environmental retrofits of existing buildings and beyond,” said Valerie Patragoulas, Business Development Manager. “With our extensive range of mobile crane hire and highly trained staff, we strive to achieve continued excellence in quality.”
With a fleet that ranges from a 2.85-tonne to a 450-tonne mobile crane, Vamp Cranes has built a strong reputation for versatility. Their expertise spans precast erection, civil work, steel erection, and general crane hire. “No job is too big or too small,” said Patragoulas. “Taking on jobs of all sizes throughout Melbourne and its extended regions, our team is ready to tackle any challenge with over 50 years of combined experience.”
Vamp Cranes, based in Coburg North, Melbourne, employs a team of 115 professionals, who have earned a reputation for reliability and safety. “Our goal is to be established as an industry leader in the delivery of crane and rigging services to Victorian construction and industrial sectors,” Patragoulas said. Their current projects include the Footscray Hospital, along with a growing portfolio of tier-one projects across Victoria.
Looking forward, Vamp Cranes has expanded beyond Victoria, entering the South Australian market and aspiring to enter the Queensland market. “We’re committed to building strong partnerships with businesses and communities,” Patragoulas said. With a dedication to innovation, safety, and quality, Vamp Cranes is poised to become a leader in crane and rigging services across Australia, ready to take on both large-scale and community-driven projects.
For more information contact Vamp Cranes, 14-22 Gaffney Street, Coburg North VIC 3058, phone 03 8652 8635, email operations@vampcranes.com.au, website www.vampcranes.com
A Legacy of Excellence in The Construction Industry
Case Studiesv
SMB Windows, a fourth-generation family business, has been a cornerstone of the glass and window industry. With roots deeply embedded in craftsmanship and innovation, the company began its Melbourne operations in 2016. Since then, SMB Windows has successfully delivered over 500 projects across Australia’s commercial and residential construction sectors.
Notable projects include the Quarantine Centers in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth for Multiplex, Modscape, and Ausco for the Health Sector, Melbourne University’s B63 refurbishment with Shape for the Education Sector, and the Munro Library upgrades with Buildcorp, also the for the Education Sector. Additional highlights include AOD Rehabilitation Centers across regional Victoria and the prestigious Bert Newton Retirement Village for Ryman Healthcare.
Specialising in:
The Bert Newton Retirement Village is a large-scale project consisting of a commercial building and three residential buildings. With over 230 apartments and more than 1,000 windows and doors, SMB Windows’ involvement spanned two years, during which they provided a high degree of customisation to meet specific design, environmental and energy standards.
SMB prides itself on using innovative designs to meet project needs. For the Bert Newton Retirement Village, they provided AWS (Architectural Window Systems) thermally broken windows and doors equipped with double-glazed LowE glass (AGG Insulglass LowE Plus® – Grey), ensuring excellent thermal performance and energy efficiency. The doors also included automatic sliding systems, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for residents.
“Our windows and doors are fabricated locally, which not only supports the local economy but also ensures quality control and sustainability,” said Dawoodjee.
The use of LowE glass in combination with thermally broken frames allows for reduced heat transfer, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without excessive energy use.
“Our highly efficient 100mm Residential suite has one of the best thermal values on the market for standard windows and doors. It’s perfectly suited to ensure that residents enjoy optimal indoor temperatures while reducing energy costs,” explained Juzer Dawoodjee, Sales and Project Director at SMB Windows.
In the commercial building, the company installed thermally broken windows, chosen to enhance energy efficiency and align with the architect’s design intent, and accommodating diverse wall cladding types.
“To ensure that the installation of windows and doors aligned perfectly with the architectural plans, we engaged in regular design meetings with the project architect and Ryman’s design team,” said Juzer. This close collaboration helped prevent delays, allowing SMB Windows to integrate their products smoothly.
Juzer Dawoodjee
Commercial Sales
& Project Director
SMB Glass Windows
& Doors
One of the unique design challenges for SMB Windows, was the installation of a glass sky light that connects two of the buildings.
“The glass canopy not only gives the building a distinctive look but also allows ample natural light to reach pedestrians underneath, providing shelter from the rain and other elements,” said Juzer. SMB’s design incorporated these functional requirements without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, ensuring the canopy contributed to both the form and function of the development.
Through careful design, collaboration, and an emphasis on high-quality, energy-efficient materials, SMB Windows has made a substantial contribution to the Bert Newton Retirement Village. Their expertise in creating tailored window and door solutions has helped ensure that residents will enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient living environment.
“This development truly showcases our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. We’re proud to have contributed to such a meaningful project,” said Juzer.
For more information contact SMB Windows, 21-23 Zilla Court, Dandenong South VIC 3175, phone 03 9703 3106, email
admin@smbwindows.com.au, website www.smbwindows.com.au
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Bert Newton Retirement Village
Ryman Healthcare aged care, retirement, ryman healthcare, Seniors lving December 2024The Bert Newton Retirement Village in Highett, Victoria, offers luxurious living for 250 residents. With independent apartments, assisted living, and a care center, it provides seamless aged care. Amenities include a café, bar, pool, and cinema. Developed by Ryman Healthcare, it reflects innovation, quality, and a holistic approach to care.