New Senior Living Apartments Unveiled at Bernborough Ascot

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

Poinciana House
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram

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

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.



Photo Credit: Keyton

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.

Photo Credit: Keyton

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.

Photo Credit: Keyton

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.

Photo Credit: Keyton

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.

Photo Credit: Keyton

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