Investment fund Folkestone is the first serious Australian player to enter the retirement village sector since the GFC and it has recruited respected sector executive Stuart Nicolson to lead its investment.

Folkestone is building its ‘Social Infrastructure’ business and is the largest owner of early learning properties. They also dominate ownership of Victorian police stations and courthouses. They have now decided to focus on retirement and aged care.

Nicolson previously led the Retirement Alliance $700M village portfolio which was the only successful jewel in the Becton group when it went under. Lend Lease purchased it last Christmas.