An artist’s impression of the upgraded Diment seniors’ living complex in Staff Street, Wollongong. Photo: IRT.
Wollongong’s first high rise community for seniors, built more than 50 years ago, will undergo an $11.5 million upgrade and facelift under plans lodged with Wollongong Council.
IRT has finalised plans to breathe new life into its original Diment Towers in Staff Street, providing independent living for seniors.
The building was named in honour of one of IRT’s founders, Dr Max Diment and going forward it will be known as Diment.
IRT CEO Patrick Reid said the upgrade would include the complete refurbishment of all 104 units, as well as additional open communal spaces.
“It will continue to honour his [Dr Diment’s] name and his vision to provide a safe, secure and convenient housing community that fosters a sense of belonging for older Australians,” Mr Reid said.
“We’re extremely proud to honour Dr Diment’s legacy with this new project, providing even more independent living options for older Australians in a safe, secure, and convenient location.”
The original recognisable tower of the complex will be retained but will undergo a significant facelift to its facade, in keeping with the major upgrade and improvements inside the building.
The lower-level adjacent buildings will also undergo a similar transformation with accompanying expanded gardens, communal living spaces and accessible walkways.
IRT – originally known as Illawarra Retirement Trust – was founded by Dr Diment and a group of like-minded people in 1969.
The medical superintendent at Bulli Hospital had a vision to provide seniors with better options in housing and care.
He was dismayed by the growing number of elderly people going in and out of hospital, not just for health care, but for a safe place to sleep, regular meals and social interaction.
IRT began with a committee meeting and a donation of $1000 from a local business.
Diment Towers was built in Wollongong on donated council land with the help of community supporters and volunteers.
Its aged care centre was closed in 2022 after a review of the building found the size and layout was no longer fit for purpose and did not provide an environment that supported older adults who needed higher levels of care.
“Our final plans have been submitted to Wollongong City Council for assessment and are the result of much engagement with our existing residents and staff, as well as the broader community,” Mr Reid said.
“We think we have achieved a great result with our design and look forward to the assessment outcome.”
Diment will remain home to its existing residents who will enjoy refurbished units when complete.
Pending approval, IRT expects works to begin early in 2025.
For more information, click here to visit IRT.
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