An artist’s impression of IRT’s redeveloped Woonona Place, incorporating the historic church which will become a cafe. Photo: IRT
IRT has discovered the lows and highs of development plans in just one week.
Last week the retirement living and aged care provider had plans for a redevelopment of its Towradgi site knocked back. Days later, it is celebrating the approval of a multi-million dollar plan to transform the first site it established in the Illawarra at Woonona.
The NSW Government has approved plans for a more than $120 million redevelopment of Woonona Place, which will include the refurbishment and upgrade of the existing 100-bed Flame Tree Residential Care Home and 92 new independent living residences.
The precinct will provide homes for about 240 residents.
IRT says redevelopment of the site, which was built in the mid to late 1970s, meets the need for well-designed housing and care options for older Australians while also freeing up existing housing stock for younger families.
IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the approval represented an important step forward in evolving how communities supported people as they aged.
“Woonona Place is about elevating how we deliver housing for an ageing population so people can live with greater independence, connection and confidence as their needs change,” Mr Gallagher said.
“People aged 75 and over are the fastest-growing demographic in NSW, yet the supply of seniors housing has not kept pace.
“This redevelopment responds to that challenge by bringing together contemporary retirement living and residential aged care into one thoughtfully designed precinct.”
The redevelopment will see the construction of five apartment buildings containing 92 independent living units of two- and three-bedroom designs.
The existing Flame Tree Residential Care Home will undergo a significant refurbishment, providing about the same number of beds as it had previously.
Lifestyle-focused amenities will include a social and wellness centre, indoor hydrotherapy pool, gym, resident clubhouse and library as well as landscaped gardens and open green spaces.
The heritage-listed church on-site, dating back to the early 1900s, will be restored into a restaurant for both residents and the broader community.
Mr Gallagher said the project reflected a broader shift in how Australians wanted to live as they aged.
“We’re seeing a clear change in expectations. Today’s retirees are more active, independent, design-conscious and focused on lifestyle than ever before,” he said.
“They’re looking for communities that support connection, wellbeing and choice – not just care – and that’s exactly what Woonona Place has been designed to deliver.”
Mr Gallagher said the redevelopment aimed to set a new benchmark for seniors living in regional NSW.
“Woonona Place reflects a broader evolution in how people live as they age, moving away from traditional models and towards vibrant, lifestyle-led communities that prioritise quality, connection and ageing in place,” he said.
“Local seniors deserve well-designed, purpose-built homes that help them age well – close to the people, places and communities they love.
“We’ve been part of the Illawarra community for decades, and we’re deeply committed to supporting it into the future by delivering modern seniors living communities that meet local demand while supporting more sustainable housing outcomes.”
IRT aims to appoint a contractor in the coming months, with construction expected to begin later this year.
For more information, or to register an interest in the new complex, visit IRT.
