The Murranar Road redevelopment has been in the works for years, but IRT has now hit another roadblock, with the latest DA rejected. Photo: IRT.
IRT will return to the drawing board after plans for a seniors housing development at its Towradgi Beach site was knocked back by the Wollongong Planning Panel.
The proposed $112 million redevelopment of an old IRT retirement village on Murranar Road in Towradgi, which would create a seniors housing community with 87 new independent living units, has been rejected.
IRT had worked on designs for seven years for the site which was to be known as Elements at IRT Towradgi Beach and had reworked and resubmitted development applications since 2021 to work through challenges.
The Wollongong Planning Panel refused the latest DA, citing issues such as unsatisfactory flood planning and compliance issues with the height of the development.
“While we’re disappointed we couldn’t progress a seniors living community on this site, we respect the panel’s decision,” IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said.
“This is a challenging site, and the assessment process made clear there are a range of issues that affect what can viably and appropriately be delivered here – including flooding, infrastructure and broader site constraints.”
IRT has accepted the decision, but is committed to finding the best long-term outcome for the site and the community, and will progress plans that better respond to the planning, environmental and infrastructure constraints identified through the assessment process.
“Across the Illawarra, housing availability remains under pressure, and there is a clear need for more diverse and accessible housing options,” Mr Gallagher said.
“We remain committed to ensuring this site can still play a meaningful role for the community, and that means adapting our approach to deliver something that is achievable, appropriate and valuable.”
He said IRT would continue to engage with stakeholders and the community as plans progressed.
“We recognise it has been a lengthy process over many years to get to this point, and we’ve appreciated the support and patience of our staff, residents, neighbours and the local community along the way,” Mr Gallagher said.
“We’re focused on finding the right path forward as quickly as possible and continue to look towards IRT’s next generation of developments.”
The planned redevelopment at Towradgi is just one of the projects IRT is pursuing to increase the capacity and quality of seniors living opportunities across the Illawarra and South Coast, with major works also starting on the organisation’s oldest service, Diment Towers, earlier this year.
“We have also lodged state significant development applications for proposed seniors living communities in Moruya and Woonona, and we’re progressing plans for a new seniors living community in Milton too,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Together, these developments represent a strong pipeline focused on delivering high-quality housing and care in regions where demand continues to grow.
“For us, it’s about taking a long-term, sustainable approach – ensuring we can continue to invest in the places, services and communities our residents rely on now and into the future.”
