The development and vision

Q What is Bellbird on High?

Bellbird on High is a new retirement village in Preston, Melbourne, made up of 51 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across a 10-storey building — the first vertical retirement community in this part of Melbourne.

Mel says: “It will set a new lifestyle standard of vertical retirement living in Preston, with an abundance of communal and garden spaces to enjoy. This is a place where independence, community and a true sense of security come together, so you can focus on living your best years, your way.”

Q When will Bellbird on High be finished, and when can residents move in?

Construction has now ‘topped out’ at its full 10 storeys, with the first residents expected to move in from March 2027.

Q How were the apartments at Bellbird on High designed?

The apartments were designed by architects K2LD around what over-55s actually look for in a retirement home: space, light and long-term liveability.

Mel says: “Our architects have terrific insight and experience in what over-55s are looking for in their dream retirement apartment. This is reflected in the large open floor plans so residents can continue to live life to the fullest, generous private balconies and terraces, well-appointed fixtures to make day-to-day life easier, and all with a view to support future needs.”

Facilities and lifestyle

Q What facilities does Bellbird on High have?

Residents have access to a full suite of on-site facilities, including a gym, cinema, library, lounge, communal kitchen, private dining room, a sky terrace and BBQ area with 360-degree views of Melbourne, Level 1 gardens, and a commercial café and retail space.

Mel says: “Our thoughtfully designed amenities and shared spaces bring residents together, encourage an active lifestyle, and give you every reason to make the most of each day within the comfort of your own community. Learn more on our Shared Spaces page.”

Q What is the social life and community culture like at Bellbird on High?

Community life at Bellbird on High is built around a rotating calendar of activities shaped by residents’ own interests, from a walking group and gym classes to Friday happy hours and trips to the footy or the gallery.

Mel says: “Loneliness is one of the most significant, and often invisible, challenges facing older Australians. In retirement living settings specifically, studies have found almost one in five residents experience meaningful loneliness, based on surveys of over a thousand Australians aged 65 and over.

“This is exactly why community isn’t an afterthought at Bellbird on High, it’s central to how we’ve designed everyday life. We offer a rotating calendar of activities shaped by residents’ own interests, from a walking group and gym classes to Friday happy hours and trips to the footy or the gallery. These aren’t just “nice extras”: they’re regular, low-pressure opportunities for residents to build the kind of meaningful, ongoing relationships that research consistently links to better mental and physical health in later life.

Costs and buying off the plan

Q How much does it cost to buy an apartment at Bellbird on High?

Prices start from $640,000 for a one-bedroom, from $700,000 for a two-bedroom, and from $1,090,000 for a three-bedroom retirement apartment.

Mel says: “Having total peace of mind and visibility over ingoing, ongoing and outgoing financial structure is of great importance for our residents when planning their financial futures.

“We offer a choice of contract options, and the financial structure of living in the community is transparent. Residents can confidently budget for their day-to-day expenses while knowing exactly what the financials will look like for them on leaving.”

Q What are the benefits of buying off the plan at Bellbird on High?

Buying off the plan, ahead of opening, gives buyers more choice of floor plan and more time to plan the move at their own pace.

Mel says: “With 25 different floor plans on offer, there’s a size, aspect and budget range to suit everyone at Bellbird on High. Buying off plan also buys you time to declutter your own home and ready it for sale, time to hit the market in the prime selling months across spring and summer, and time to thoughtfully plan your move.

“Bellbird on High also works to align settlement of a buyer’s current home with their new apartment which can be one of the greatest worries for our residents.”

Location and surrounds

Q Where is Bellbird on High located, and what’s nearby?

Bellbird on High sits in one of Melbourne’s most walkable, well-connected addresses, with tram, train and bus links on the doorstep and easy access to Preston, Thornbury and Northcote.

Mel says: “Close by cafés, restaurants, shopping, markets, parks and ancillary health services make our location a central hub for residents to stay connected to their wider community across the Preston, Thornbury, Northcote corridor of Melbourne.”

Care pathway and future-proofing

Q What happens if my health or care needs change after moving to Bellbird on High?

Bellbird on High’s retirement support services are designed to flex with residents’ needs, backed by 24/7 emergency response and a partnered in-home support team.

Mel says: “Our retirement support services are thoughtfully designed for senior living, helping you to maintain your interests, your lifestyle, your independence and the things that matter most to you. When life happens, though, and health or care needs arise, our team is on hand to offer support through 24/7 emergency response services and connection to our partnered in-home support team, who can assist with domestic and care services alike. The team is also experienced in navigating My Aged Care, helping residents access the support they’re entitled to.”