June '26 | Planning Approval & Smoking Ceremony
We’re delighted to share this exciting progress, the planning permit for VerSo Place has now been officially approved. Keyton has welcomed Whitehorse City Council’s unanimous approval of its VerSo Place development in Vermont South, marking a major milestone for one of Melbourne’s most significant new retirement living communities, comprising more than 200 homes. This important step brings us closer to welcoming you into a thoughtfully designed and vibrant new neighbourhood.
To honour both this milestone and the site’s rich cultural heritage, the VerSo Place project team was privileged to be joined by Uncle Colin Hunter Jr, a representative of the Wurundjeri people, at the site for VerSo Place. Uncle Colin led a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, creating a meaningful moment of reflection and connection.
The Smoking Ceremony provided an opportunity to pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to acknowledge and support emerging leaders, while recognising the significance of the site and the journey ahead. It was a powerful way to bring the Keyton team together, celebrate progress, and honour the Traditional Owners of the land.
Following this, the Welcome to Country formally acknowledged safe passage and the granting of permission to work on Wurundjeri land, reinforcing the importance of cultural respect at every stage of the development.
November '25 | Behind the Vision
We’re delighted to share highlights from Behind the Vision, an exclusive event offering a first look at the inspirational thinking shaping VerSo Place.
In Conversation with Hayball and OCULUS
- On Friday 28 November, the creative minds behind this exciting new community – including award-winning architects Hayball and OCULUS – came together at The Round to present their architectural vision for VerSo Place.
- Guests were treated to an insightful discussion exploring the ideas, design philosophy and place-making approach guiding the project’s evolution.
- The session offered an exclusive first look at the early concepts that will shape VerSo Place into a vibrant, connected, and thoughtfully designed community.
Event Recap
Missed the conversation or want to revisit the highlights? Watch the event recap below to hear directly from the architects and gain deeper insight into the vision behind VerSo Place.
September '25 | Demolition Update
We’re excited to share news and updates from VerSo Place as the transformation of this unique development continues to unfold.
Site Works & Sustainability
- The initial demolition works are now complete, clearing the way for a fresh new chapter at VerSo Place.
- Recycled bricks have arrived! We’ve welcomed the first delivery of recycled bricks – 100 pallets, totalling 50,000 bricks! These bricks have been carefully reclaimed from the site, cleaned, and returned for reuse in the new design. It’s a meaningful way to honour the site’s heritage while embracing sustainable building practices.
- Heritage Integration: Our heritage specialists have completed their review of key structures, ensuring the legacy of VerSo Place is thoughtfully woven into the new vision.
Planning Update
Council’s assessment of the project is progressing, and community feedback is now being invited. This is an important step in shaping a place that reflects the values and aspirations of the local community.
June '25 | VerSo Place Is Taking Shape
We’re pleased to share the latest progress from VerSo Place, as Keyton continues to move the project forward following the acquisition of the site at 500 Burwood Highway, Vermont South.
Site Works & Sustainability
- Demolition works are almost complete, with the majority of above-ground structures now carefully removed.
- Protective measures remain in place to ensure established trees are preserved and undisturbed, maintaining the natural beauty of the site.
- Site remediation is underway, with the first of five underground storage tanks safely removed and decommissioned – an important step in preparing the land for sustainable development.
Planning Update
Design development is well underway to bring the project’s vision to life. Engagement with Council and surrounding neighbours is progressing positively, with designs for Keyton’s newest project continuing to take shape for Council assessment.
