NEW residents of Australia’s first gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer retirement village will start building their dream homes in Ballan later this year.
The $30 million Linton Estate, which is open to people of all sexual persuasions, was approved by Moorabool Council in late 2007.
After announcing the development would start in April 2009, managing director Peter Dickson decided to redesign the estate and applied for a two-year extension to the permit in September 2009.
An amended permit issued on March 28, 2011 means development of stage one must start before January 25, 2012.
To be built on the junction of Old Melbourne Rd and Geelong-Ballan Rd, the development will provide a haven for like-minded individuals and couples.
Mr Dickson, a gay man himself, said the 120-unit, over-55s complex would be an environment where the GLBTIQ community could relax in safety and comfort.
“GLBTIQ clients post challenges for straight retirement communities,” he said. “It may always be an issue because not just staff attitudes and opinions have to change, it’s also the other residents’ attitudes and opinions, and that is near impossible.
“What people want more than anything else is peace of mind and security and Linton Estate will deliver that tranquillity.”
The proposed estate includes five housing designs and an abundance of recreation and entertainment areas, including art and craft studios, a cinema, indoor heated pool and spa and tennis court. The cafe, lounge bar, beauty salon/day spa and restaurant will be leased out and open to the public.
Mr Dickson said Linton Estate would take away the stigma of a typical retirement village.
“Linton will become an event area - why should residents sit and twiddle their thumbs when we can brings things to them?” he said.
Mr Dickson said a Melbourne sales office would open in August followed by an information night once prices and contracts had been finalised. Stage one of the five-stage development will go on the market later this year with 27 units for sale.
