IRT secures approval for its landmark redevelopment of Woonona Place – setting a new benchmark for seniors’ living in the Illawarra

IRT has secured NSW Government approval for the State Significant redevelopment of Woonona Place – a major milestone that will deliver a premium seniors’ living precinct for around 240 residents, including the refurbishment and upgrade of the existing 100-bed Flame Tree Residential Care Home and 92 new independent living residences, while helping unlock much-needed housing supply across the Illawarra.

With Australia’s population ageing rapidly, the need for well-designed housing and care options continues to grow. IRT’s transformative redevelopment of Woonona Place will give more older Australians the opportunity to right-size into homes that better suit their needs, while freeing up existing housing stock for younger families.

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the approval represents an important step forward in evolving how communities support people as they age.

“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.”

Mr Gallagher said the project also reflects a broader shift in how Australians want to live as they age.

“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.”

The redevelopment will see the construction of 92 two- and three-bedroom independent living residences across five architecturally designed buildings. These new homes will sit alongside a suite of lifestyle-focused amenities including a social and wellness centre, indoor hydrotherapy pool, gym, resident clubhouse and library as well as landscaped gardens and open green spaces.

The existing Flame Tree Residential Care Home will undergo a significant refurbishment, while the heritage-listed church on site will be sensitively restored into a restaurant, creating a unique dining and events destination for both residents and the broader community to enjoy.

Mr Gallagher said the redevelopment aims to set a new benchmark for seniors’ living in regional NSW and reflects IRT’s long-term commitment to the Illawarra.

“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 lodged its State Significant Development Application for Woonona Place in July 2025 following extensive community consultation, design refinement, and input from the State Design Review Panel. The plans were placed on public exhibition in August 2025.

The application was then assessed through the State Significant Development pathway over a period of eight months, with IRT working closely with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure throughout the process.

IRT is set to appoint a principal contractor in the coming months, with construction expected to begin later this year.

For more information, or to register your interest, visit: https://www.irt.org.au/retirement-villages/location/woonona-place/