IRT begins major refurbishment of Marco Polo Unanderra to deliver 48 new aged care beds for the Illawarra

IRT has commenced a major refurbishment of its Marco Polo Unanderra Residential Care Home, with the project set to deliver 48 new aged care beds by early 2027 and help ease hospital bed block across the Illawarra.

The start of works follows approval of a Development Application modification by Wollongong City Council and represents the first phase of a comprehensive upgrade of the entire site, including the St Johns and St Lukes wings and Cordeaux Lodge.

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the project is a major investment in the Illawarra’s care and health infrastructure.

“The refurbishment will deliver modern, high-quality aged care accommodation for older people in our community – including additional high-care and dementia-support rooms,” he said.

“Just as importantly, it will help address the ongoing pressure on local hospitals by enabling older patients who no longer require acute care to transition into residential care homes more quickly.”

Hospitals across the Illawarra and NSW South Coast continue to experience high rates of bed block caused by shortages of appropriate aged care places, leading to longer hospital stays for older patients and reduced capacity for acute admissions.

This critical issue is costing the region approximately $86 million annually, with between 100 and 150 older patients waiting in hospital for an aged care bed every day.

The additional beds created through the refurbishment of Marco Polo Unanderra will help relieve this pressure on the region’s health system and deliver better outcomes for older people and their families.

The project is supported by a $15.8 million grant under the Australian Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, announced in September 2024.

“We’re grateful for the trust the Government has placed in us to deliver much-needed aged care beds for the region,” Mr Gallagher said.

“The funding is enabling us to reopen previously closed parts of the building and significantly enhance the quality of residential aged care for older people in our local community.”

“It’s a real investment in the Illawarra – creating better environments for residents and staff, increasing local aged care capacity, and supporting stronger outcomes for the entire health system.”

IRT has engaged contractor SHAPE to deliver the refurbishment and is working closely with residents, families and staff to ensure safety, comfort and clear communication throughout the refurbishment period.

“We know construction can be challenging in an operating care home, so we’re taking a careful, staged approach to minimise disruption and ensure residents continue to feel safe, comfortable and well-supported throughout the works.”

Stage one will include the fit-out of the currently unoccupied St Johns and St Lukes wings, delivering 48 new contemporary resident rooms with private ensuites, along with upgraded communal spaces, services, kitchen and laundry facilities.

Stage two, self-funded by IRT, will include the refurbishment of Cordeaux Lodge and will be delivered concurrently with stage one to fast-track the project’s overall completion. Upgrades will be carefully staged so residents can remain living in the care home while the 80 resident rooms, ensuites and shared areas are progressively upgraded.

“As a community-owned organisation, we’re deeply committed to reinvesting in the communities we serve,” Mr Gallagher said.

“This refurbishment is about creating a home that reflects the level of quality and care older people in our region deserve.”

With more than 55 years’ experience, IRT is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit providers of residential aged care, home care and retirement living and remains committed to supporting older Australians to live with dignity and respect, while responding to the growing needs of regional communities.

The refurbishment of Marco Polo Unanderra forms part of IRT’s broader commitment to deliver more than 1000 new homes for older Australians over the next decade, including approximately 800 independent living units and 200 residential care beds across Greater Western Sydney, the Illawarra and NSW South Coast.

“At the end of the day, this project is about people – making sure those in their later stages of life can access the care and support they need with the added peace of mind that comes from being close to the people and places they know,” Mr Gallagher said.

“It’s a promise that we’ll keep showing up – and continue investing – for the people who call this region home.”