IRT breaks ground on Woonona Place as seniors’ housing pipeline gathers pace

IRT has officially broken ground on a major new seniors’ living precinct in the Illawarra, bringing 93 new independent living residences and expanded residential care a step closer to reality as demand for age-appropriate housing grows.

The Woonona Place redevelopment is the latest project to move into construction in IRT’s growing property pipeline, as the community-owned organisation invests in new approaches to seniors living across the region and beyond.

The milestone comes as NSW Government projections forecast a 52 per cent increase in the state’s population aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2041, highlighting the need for more diverse housing and care options.

IRT Group Chief Executive Officer Ross Gallagher said Woonona Place will play an important role in helping to address these challenges while contributing to broader housing supply.

“As our population ages, we need to think differently about the housing we provide. It’s not just about building more, it’s about making sure people have the right options at different stages of life,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Purpose-built seniors’ living is an important part of that solution. It gives older Australians the opportunity to right-size into homes better suited to their needs, while potentially freeing up larger properties for younger families.

“But the opportunity goes beyond housing supply. We want to create communities where people can stay active, independent and connected, with access to care and support as their needs change.

“That’s the approach we’re taking at Woonona Place, and the future we’re investing in across IRT.”

The groundbreaking follows State Significant Development approval in April, with principal contractor Decode appointed to deliver the transformation.

The official ceremony was attended by the Hon. Ryan Park MP, NSW Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Alison Byrnes MP, Federal Member for Cunningham, and Councillor David Brown, Wollongong Deputy Lord Mayor, alongside IRT, Decode, Wollongong City Council and project representatives.

IRT is investing an additional $330,000 per residence in ageing-in-place design principles at Woonona Place, with adaptable homes and layouts designed to accommodate residents’ changing needs over time.

The precinct will feature a social and wellness centre with a pool and gym, resident clubhouse, library, landscaped gardens and shared outdoor spaces, alongside the restoration of the site’s heritage-listed church into a restaurant for residents and the wider community.

The redevelopment is also being supported by a $1.5 million Australian Government grant through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program to increase residential aged care capacity.

Once complete, Woonona Place is expected to be home to approximately 240 residents.

“After years of planning, it’s exciting to see our vision for Woonona Place moving into construction,” Mr Gallagher said.

“We’re also mindful that we’re building alongside an existing community. Construction will be carefully staged, and we’ll continue working closely with residents, families and staff to keep them informed and supported throughout the process.”

Woonona Place is among several major projects IRT is advancing across Sydney, the Illawarra and NSW South Coast.

Construction is progressing on the $45 million redevelopment of Diment in Wollongong, which will deliver 102 independent living apartments, while major works at Unanderra Gardens Residential Care Home will deliver 48 additional aged care beds.

IRT is also progressing plans for future developments in Towradgi, Milton, Macarthur and Moruya.

“As a community-owned organisation founded in the Illawarra, we’re proud to be investing in the region’s future,” Mr Gallagher said.

“With major projects now moving from planning into delivery, we’re seeing real momentum across our property portfolio.

“For us, it’s about more than developing new homes. It’s about creating communities that give older Australians greater choice in how they live, stay connected and access care as their needs change.”