An artist’s impression of the redeveloped IRT Woonona. Photo: IRT.
IRT Group has released images of a major redevelopment of its Woonona site and is keen to hear feedback from the community.
The aged care organisation announced last year that it planned to demolish a number of buildings to make way for the redevelopment, which would result in about 100 residents needing to find new homes.
At the time, IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid said IRT’s future vision for seniors living and aged care aimed to redefine the standard model of nursing homes and retirement villages that were often separated from the surrounding community.
“Our vision for IRT Woonona and other sites in our portfolio, is to deliver more living space, wellbeing and lifestyle opportunities that will support older people through all stages of ageing,” he said.
IRT will hold two drop-in sessions to get community feedback as part of the preparation for the major development application for the Popes Road site.
The sessions will be held at the Church Hall, 4-6 Popes Road, on Tuesday 13 August from 10 am to 1 pm and on Thursday 15 August from 4 to 7 pm. Bookings are not required.
Mr Reid said the community sessions were an important step in the process, providing an opportunity for people to explore the initial proposal and early plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
“This is an exciting project and we are looking forward to sharing the direction of our early plans at the community drop-in sessions,” Mr Reid said.
“Our vision is to renew the overall site by delivering more seniors living space, as well as wellbeing and lifestyle opportunities to support older people through all stages of ageing.”
The overall development is deemed state significant and will be assessed by the NSW Planning Minister.
IRT Woonona is one of IRT’s oldest sites, built in the mid to late 1970s.
“As you can imagine with a property that is many decades old, some areas of the site are no longer fit for purpose, or designed in a way that will meet future expectations of older Australians,” Mr Reid said.
“To achieve our vision and to provide the best possible living environment for our residents, the decision was made last year, to wind down the delivery of our services in the buildings known as Ribbonwood, Blueberry Ash and the rectory and demolish them.”
All affected residents have been relocated to new homes elsewhere in the IRT group.
Mr Reid said all feedback would be considered as IRT progressed through the state significant development process.
“We will continue to keep the community, including our residents, their families and our staff informed about our progress and we will come back with an opportunity for everyone to review our final development submission,” he said.
Wollongong City Council has approved a development application for the demolition of the buildings and early preparatory works have begun. Demolition is expected to start in November.
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