A redevelopment of Diment Towers hopes to breathe new life into IRT’s legacy property. Photo: IRT.
Residents from IRT’s Diment Towers are settling into villages across the region as the iconic Wollongong building receives a multi-million dollar upgrade.
Construction is set to begin to transform the first high-rise seniors living community built by IRT in Wollongong more than half a century ago, with the development application for the project now approved.
“Diment is actually where the story began,” IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said.
“We’re really excited to be breathing new life into this community and I think it’s one of those buildings and properties that is obviously historically important for us but there’s a bit of emotional significance as well.”
The redevelopment will include a full refurbishment of 102 independent living units, with a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, as well as modern interiors, new communal spaces and a refreshed building facade.
But to ensure safety and the efficiency of the work, the existing residents who call Diment home have been moved out.
“Currently there’s 17 residents living there at present, so we’ve actually sat down and consulted with those guys as well and we’ve moved them to different places within IRT,” Ross said.
“Most of them are at Towradgi and they’re very happy down there and integrating with other residents there.
“The residents I’ve caught up with are really enjoying it; they’ve said it’s like a vacation. They’re down near the beach and they’ve settled in really quite well.”
When the project was announced, it was hoped construction would begin earlier this year, but the process of getting approvals, putting out the work for tender and conducting ongoing consultation with the residents about the next steps pushed the start date back a few months.
But now with this tick of approval IRT is committed to seeing the work done quickly.
“We’re relatively confident too with the builder that we have chosen that they will be able to deliver on timelines,” Ross said.
“I think that’s a really important part of it that this development is delivered on time as well because it was one of the reasons when we sat down and spoke to the residents [about relocating] because obviously with their safety but also it’s a better outcome for them because they should be able to get back significantly quicker as well.”
All existing residents are expected to return to upgraded homes once construction is completed but Ross said they won’t be hit with a major price hike.
“That will stay the same as part of Retirement Village Act we need to meet those commitments moving forward,” Ross said.
“For new residents we’re working through what those prices are at the moment, so we haven’t really got those locked and loaded; it’s part of the process over the next 12 months during construction.”
The site on Staff Street was originally built in 1971, named in honour of one of IRT’s founders, Dr Max Diment.
Now more than five decades later, IRT has grown to operate more than 40 aged care communities across NSW, the ACT and Queensland, but it is still dedicated to protecting the site which started it all.
“Roughly between $35 and $40 million we will be investing in this property,” Ross said. “It’s a significant investment but we feel it’s part of our charter and part of our broader vision that we should be investing in these properties that produce something that’s really quite affordable and close to the Wollongong CBD and close to the hospital as well.
“It’s the first of many that we’re doing as well; over the next 10 years we’re committed to delivering 800 new homes for older Australians in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla so it’s exciting times.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in November with practical completion expected in early 2027.
For more information about the project or to register interest in joining the community visit the Diment website.
