IRT commences $45 million redevelopment of Diment as demand for seniors’ housing accelerates in the Illawarra

IRT Chair Peter Fitzgerald, IRT CEO Ross Gallagher, City of Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown and SHAPE NSW General Manager James Fitzgerald at Diment during the start of major works ceremony.

Construction is now underway on IRT’s $45 million redevelopment of Diment – the organisation’s first seniors’ living community in Wollongong built more than 55 years ago – marking a major investment in housing for older Australians as demand grows across the region.

A start-of-works ceremony was held today to celebrate the important milestone for both IRT and the Illawarra community, bringing together City of Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown, IRT CEO Ross Gallagher, IRT Chair Peter Fitzgerald, representatives from principal contractor SHAPE, alongside staff, community members and project partners.

IRT project team photographed with SHAPE representatives.

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the occasion marked a powerful moment – recognising the organisation’s history while signalling the beginning of its next chapter.

“Diment is where IRT’s story began,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Today is about more than the start of construction – it’s about honouring the legacy of the people who built IRT, the generations of residents who have called Diment home, and the dedicated staff who have supported them.

“For more than five decades, this community has played an important role in supporting older Australians. Seeing its next chapter begin is incredibly special.”

Originally opened in 1971, Diment was IRT’s first seniors’ living development and the first high-rise of its kind in the Wollongong CBD – a bold concept for its time. Named after IRT’s founder, Dr Max Diment, the community reflects a longstanding belief that older people deserve dignity, independence and connection to their community.

An aerial shot of Diment – set in the heart of the Wollongong CBD.

“That belief still sits at the heart of IRT today – and it’s why this redevelopment matters so much,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Communities like Diment are incredibly important as our population ages, because they provide homes that are designed specifically to support people to live with independence, wellbeing and connection.”

In Wollongong, almost one in five residents is aged 65 and over. With Australia’s ageing population projected to rise significantly over the coming decades, demand for accessible, low-maintenance homes that support independence and ageing in place will continue to soar.

Mr Gallagher said projects like Diment play an important role in responding to this growing need.

“As our communities evolve, so must the homes and services that support people to age well,” he said.

“Projects like Diment help ensure people can continue living independently, close to the services, transport and community connections they know and love.”

The transformation of Diment will deliver 102 contemporary independent living apartments, new communal spaces, landscaped gardens and walkways and modern interiors. The iconic tower will be retained and refreshed, honouring its heritage while bringing it into a new era.

Mr Gallagher said the redevelopment reflects IRT’s long-term commitment to reinvesting in the communities it serves.

“The Illawarra will always be our home,” Mr Gallagher said.

“We’re proud to be revitalising a place where people can enjoy peace of mind, surrounded by community, connection, and care in their later years.

“It’s also one of several major projects we have underway across the Illawarra and South Coast region that reflects our commitment to reinvesting in our existing communities, while also developing new ones contemporary, future-focused, seniors’ living.”

Major construction follows Wollongong City Council’s approval of IRT’s Development Application modification in 2025 and completion of early works and minor demolition. The project is expected to reach practical completion in early 2027.

For more information or to register your interest in living at Diment, visit https://diment.irt.org.au/.