Bernborough Ascot Archives

Australia’s First Vertical Retirement Community Opens at Doomben Racecourse

Did you know that Australia’s first vertical retirement community within a racecourse precinct has officially opened in Ascot?

Read: New Senior Living Apartments Unveiled at Bernborough Ascot

Set beside the historic Doomben Racecourse, Poinciana House is the latest addition to the Bernborough Ascot precinct—a thoughtfully designed living space that reimagines what retirement can look like in an urban setting.

The newly opened building offers 53 independent living apartments tailored for older Australians who want to remain connected to both community and city life. With a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, each apartment has been designed with comfort, space, and ageing-in-place in mind—featuring open-plan living, study nooks, natural materials, and plenty of storage.

Beyond the apartments themselves, the development aims to foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Residents have access to a rooftop terrace, a heated pool, consulting rooms for allied health services, and a fitness studio. These are complemented by shared amenities throughout the precinct, including an art studio, private cinema, café, library, and a resident lounge overlooking the racetrack.

Nathan Cockerill, CEO of developer Keyton, said the project was designed to support a vibrant lifestyle that doesn’t compromise on privacy or independence. “It’s about creating a community that feels connected and modern—without giving up the comforts of home,” he said.

Importantly, the vertical format of the retirement village allows older residents to live close to essential services while staying active and socially engaged. A residential aged care facility—Ascot Grove Care Community—is also planned for the site, with completion targeted for 2027. This ensures future support for residents as their care needs evolve.

The Bernborough Ascot precinct has already received national recognition for its environmental credentials, holding a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia—making it one of the most sustainable retirement communities in the country.

Located just eight kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the development is part of the Brisbane Racing Club’s broader $1.5 billion masterplan to revitalise both the Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourses into a mixed-use hub that blends residential living with green spaces, health services, and leisure options.

Read: Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

For residents moving into Poinciana House, it’s not just about downsizing—it’s about upgrading to a community that reflects the way they want to live now.

Published 2-June-2025

New Senior Living Apartments Unveiled at Bernborough Ascot

Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram

A new retirement complex has opened in Ascot, with Poinciana House adding 53 independent living apartments to the Bernborough Ascot community.

New Milestone for Vertical Retirement Living in Ascot

Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, has opened Poinciana House, the latest addition to Keyton’s Bernborough Ascot community. Located beside Doomben Racecourse, the development introduces 53 new apartments to what is described as Australia’s first vertical retirement community within a racecourse precinct.

A Growing Retirement Precinct

Bernborough Ascot forms part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment being led by Brisbane Racing Club. The precinct already includes Fig Tree House, which has reached full occupancy. Poinciana House is the second residential building in the development, designed to support long-term independent living and wellness for older Australians.

Bernborough Ascot community — *Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram*

The development has been delivered in partnership with builder Balmain & Co, which highlighted the project’s sustainability credentials and emphasis on lifestyle-focused design.

Features and Facilities

Poinciana House offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across multiple floorplans. Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light, storage, and functionality, with two interior finish schemes available.

Residents have access to an extensive selection of health and lifestyle facilities, such as a rooftop terrace, magnesium indoor pool, sauna, gym, fitness area, bowling green, café, and shared dining and lounge spaces. Allied health consulting rooms are located onsite, along with a concierge desk, parcel services, and a personalised health and wellness program.

retirement house — *Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram*

A 24-hour emergency call system and pharmacy delivery service are also available to residents.

Sustainable Recognition

Bernborough Ascot has received a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, recognising its commitment to sustainability and urban regeneration. Poinciana House contributes to this rating with its environmentally focused design and energy-efficient features.

senior living apartments — *Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram*

A Model for ‘Ageing in Place’

Keyton has positioned the development as part of a broader shift toward integrated retirement living. With the adjacent Opal Healthcare’s Ascot Grove Care Community scheduled for completion in 2027, the precinct aims to provide a continuum of care allowing residents to transition between levels of independence without leaving the community.

The company has reported strong interest in the new apartments, with over 70 per cent of Poinciana House already sold.

Published 9-May-2025

Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

Photo Credit: Keyton

People looking to downsize are showing strong interest in Bernborough Ascot, a unique retirement community located next to a racecourse in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot. Seventy per cent of its second-stage apartments have already sold after the first stage sold out completely.

High Demand Sees Apartments Snapped Up

Buyers quickly purchased all 69 apartments in the first stage, Fig Tree House, where residents are now settled. The second stage, Poinciana House, is proving equally popular, reaching 70 per cent sold shortly after its recent completion.

New residents have already started moving into Poinciana House, highlighting the development’s appeal to those seeking a particular retirement lifestyle in the area.

Resort Facilities Enhance Lifestyle

Bernborough Ascot offers residents numerous facilities like those found at a resort, to promote health and social connection. The recently opened Poinciana House includes a Wellness Hub managed by a dedicated coordinator, featuring a gym, infrared sauna, heated indoor magnesium pool, and spaces for Pilates and yoga.

There are also private rooms for consultations and a salon. Social activities are encouraged with a bowling green, a new Pavilion dining room, an Ascot lounge, and a rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities offering views towards the city.

A cafe operates on weekdays and plans to open on weekends soon. These facilities add to existing ones in Fig Tree House, such as a library, art studio, private cinema, and trackside lounge. A concierge service is also available to assist residents.

Developer’s Approach to Retirement

Keyton, the owner and operator, promotes “rightsizing” over simply downsizing. Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill explained that the company aims to help people find the right home within a community that supports the lifestyle they desire—one that is secure, connected, active, and healthy.

Mr Cockerill added that Keyton has always focused on resident health and wellbeing, which is central to its company values. Keyton aims to bring passion, kindness, and care to retirement living. Keyton operates over 75 retirement villages across Australia.

Sought-After Ascot Neighbourhood

The development’s location in Ascot, a well-regarded north-east Brisbane suburb just 8 kilometres from the city centre, is a major drawcard. The leafy neighbourhood sits opposite Doomben Racecourse and offers residents easy access to local cafes, shops, restaurants, and public transport.

The racecourse itself provides social opportunities and event spaces. Ascot’s desirability is reflected in its property market, with recent data showing high median prices for houses and significant recent growth in unit prices.

Apartment Details and Green Credentials

Poinciana House offers a range of architect-designed apartments. One-bedroom options start at $665,000, two-bedroom options at $895,000, and three-bedroom options at $1,415,000.

The development’s environmental design has achieved a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Additionally, plans are underway to build an Opal HealthCare residential aged care facility nearby.

Published Date 30-April-2025

Bernborough Ascot, Retirement Village Takes Shape

Bernborough Ascot, a new high-rise retirement living development is taking shape in as part of a large-scale renewal project transforming the city’s Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourse precincts.

The $270 million complex by retirement village operator Keyton has reached a construction milestone with the topping out of its second building called Poinciana House. The 53-apartment tower is set for completion in early 2025.

Bernborough Ascot claims to be the nation’s first vertical retirement community integrated within a racecourse precinct. Its first stage, the sold-out Fig Tree House, has already opened.

While pioneering the high-rise retirement living concept in Brisbane, the development is also garnering attention for its green credentials as one of the first in Australia to achieve a 6-Star Green Star sustainability rating.

Nathan Cockerill, Keyton’s CEO, says the project aims to create “connected, diverse retirement communities” with an emphasis on amenities that promote resident wellbeing and social engagement.

In addition to stylishly appointed independent living apartments, Poinciana House will feature resort-style facilities like a rooftop terrace, restaurant, outdoor entertaining areas, pool, gym and allied health consulting rooms.

The development forms part of the $1.5 billion Brisbane Racing Club master plan to revitalise the Doomben and Eagle Farm racing precinct into a mixed-use destination with residential, commercial and recreational elements.

For the established Ascot neighbourhood, the arrival of a new cohort of over-55s residents could spur demand for more age-friendly infrastructure and services while adding density to the inner-city suburb.

With Australia’s senior population continuing to grow, retirement operators are exploring innovative housing models like vertical villages to meet the changing needs and lifestyle expectations of this demographic.

Published 16-June-2024

Bernborough Ascot in Doomben Racecourse Gets Green Star Rating

Bernborough Ascot in Doomben Racecourse has received its first 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia in recognition of its sustainable and eco-friendly development.

The $270 million Leadlease retirement facility, featuring strategic and sustainable designs from Marchese Partners, completed its first stage in October 2020 and has been seen as a benchmark for green community living in Brisbane.

Bernborough Ascot has been envisioned in a well-positioned section of the Doomben Racecourse, which will take advantage of the cool air and natural ventilation of the environment. Before the construction, the developers had to carefully relocate and preserve a 140-tonne weeping fig tree.

Upon the completion of the project, this residential site will have “300 large luxury independent living apartments and penthouse-style homes.” Some parts of the dwellings are already open to residents.

The buildings will feature a number of connected walkways and green spaces or communal gardens, with carefully selected plants, that will be immensely enjoyed by its residents. The facility’s main energy supply will come from solar panels and its water sources feature have been engineered to lessen the needless consumption of potable water.

Green Building Council of Australia CEO Davina Rooney commended the developers behind Bernborough Ascot for achieving such a feat and it certifies the retirement facility’s topnotch standards.

Bernborough Ascot is part of Brisbane Racing Club’s master plan to turn the Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourse into an integrated community. To learn more about this development, visit the official site.