14 September 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
At IRT, we have a responsibility to regularly review our assets and buildings to ensure they are fit for purpose in order for us to provide ongoing quality care and services.
As part of this process, we have reviewed our Diment Towers building which is IRT’s oldest having been constructed more than 50 years ago.
The review has identified some challenges with the building which need to be addressed, including its size, layout and age; and we have also identified that vacancies in the care centre are continuing to rise, indicating the demand for care and services there is declining.
There are also some capital works that need to be undertaken, including repairs to the lifts and swimming pool, and we are in the process of planning how to best carry out these works while minimising the impacts on residents.
We have begun exploring a range of options for the building including preliminary discussions with Wollongong City Council to help us understand what is permissible for its use other than, or in addition to, aged care and retirement living. This information will help us in our assessment of; the building’s future (which may include additional private rental accommodation), and a timeline for the capital works required.
Until this assessment is finalised, no decision will be made on the future of IRT Diment Towers, but I can confirm that we have no intentions to demolish the building or sell it to another provider.
We have met with residents and employees to let them know about our review process and that we are looking at future opportunities for the building.
We are committed to keeping you, your loved one and our employees informed about our plans and hope to have more information to share with you next month.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
