A digital render of IRT’s future redevelopment of its seniors living community on Popes Road, Woonona. Image: IRT.
Round two of community input has been called on a “state significant project” to redevelop a seniors living community in the Illawarra’s northern suburbs.
IRT will hold a second round of community drop-in sessions this week allowing stakeholders to review updated plans for the future redevelopment of its seniors living community on Popes Road, Woonona.
It follows a review of community feedback on its preliminary redevelopment plans solicited in August last year, as well as input from the NSW State Design Review Panel, which helped inform updates to the original plan.
“This is a state significant project and consulting with the community is an important step,” IRT CEO Patrick Reid said. “We look forward to sharing our updated plans at the community drop-in sessions.”
At this stage, about 93 homes, including a mix of two- and three-bedroom units, are proposed.
People who attended the last session will notice changes from the preliminary plan to the overall design and presentation of the development.
This includes architectural improvements to the building facades and an increase in the overall outdoor living space between buildings, delivering more open lifestyle and community areas for the enjoyment of residents, guests and staff.
Designs for the upgrade of the existing Flametree aged care building have also been refined with input from staff, residents and their families.
Mr Reid said overall, the developed community would deliver more seniors living space, wellbeing and lifestyle opportunities to support older people through all stages of ageing.
“We are passionate about supporting seniors in enjoying the best quality of life possible and helping them maintain their independence for longer,” he said. “We hope to do exactly that with the redevelopment of IRT Woonona.”
No appointments are necessary to attend the drop-in sessions. There will be one daytime and one late afternoon drop-in session. All interested parties are encouraged to visit at any time within the timeframe of each session.
The sessions are part of a broader intention to keep the community, including residents, their families and staff, informed about progress.
Built in the mid to late 1970s, the Woonona site is one of IRT’s oldest.
Services were wound down in the Ribbonwood, Blueberry Ash and rectory buildings in preparation for the redevelopment of the site.
Wollongong City Council approved IRT’s DA for the demolition of these buildings in April 2024 and by November, stage 1 of the program began with the Blueberry Ash buildings.
Drop-in sessions will be held Wednesday, 19 February from 11 am to 1 pm and 4 to 6:30 pm at Church Hall, 4-6 Popes Road, Woonona.
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