Plans are moving ahead for Uniting Wattle Road Shellharbour. Photo: Supplied.
Uniting NSW ACT is pushing ahead with plans to create a contemporary seniors village at Wattle Road in the Shellharbour City Centre, aiming to address the growing need for high-quality housing and services for the area’s ageing population.
The development, to be delivered in four stages, will begin with 152 retirement and independent living apartments, alongside community facilities and landscaped communal spaces.
As part of Stage 1 planning, Uniting has submitted two applications to Shellharbour City Council – a modification application and a development application (DA) for minor changes to the concept plan to improve the design and meet current planning guidelines and market expectations.
A DA for the concept plan was originally submitted in 2011 and approved in 2014.
If the applications are approved, stage one construction of the Wattle Road development is expected to start late next year or early 2026 for an early autumn 2028 completion.
It comes as data reveals that by 2031, Shellharbour’s population of residents over 65 is projected to exceed 19,100.
Uniting property and housing director Simon Furness said it emphasised the need for quality accommodation and services to allow seniors to age comfortably within a thriving, welcoming community.
“We’ve been providing quality aged care services in the Illawarra area for over 50 years, and we’re committed to investing in the long-term future of Shellharbour,” Simon said.
“Our vision for this project is to create a modern village that fosters social connection amongst an increasing ageing population — a welcoming community where companionship is encouraged, without compromising residents’ privacy.”
Uniting Wattle Road will offer a combination of independent living apartments and assisted living services on-site, supporting residents to continue living in their home of choice as their care needs change.
Its residential apartments will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom options across four buildings, featuring contemporary designed spaces where residents can feel comfortable in their new home, and enjoy the variety of amenities and services throughout the village.
Stage 1 of the project will also have 10 per cent of the purposefully designed independent living apartments made available as affordable housing for seniors.
Its modification application to council, which aims to update and improve the 2014 approved design, will come with a range of new additions to reflect market needs.
Updates include increased cross-ventilation and solar access to many of the apartments, increased separation between buildings to improve privacy, the addition of a clubroom and administrative offices, separate access to the basement for residents and service vehicles, and improved pedestrian access from Wattle Road.
Residents will also enjoy basement parking for 149 vehicles, two landscaped central courtyards and two landscaped rooftop terraces, all within walking distance of shopping and medical facilities.
“Uniting has been seeking to meet the area’s long-term need for aged care services and seniors housing for many years, and we’re excited to continue building quality homes and services for Shellharbour’s seniors with the addition of our Wattle Road development,” he said.
Uniting Wattle Road Shellharbour development is the latest stage in Uniting’s overall plan for the Shellharbour area, joining Uniting Elanora residential aged care, which opened in 2011, and the expansion of Uniting Lakeview independent living village, which opened in 2019.
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