Community invited to view initial plans for redevelopment of IRT Woonona

IRT will hold two community drop-in sessions to get community feedback as part of the preparation for a major development application to redevelop IRT Woonona, located on Popes Road.

IRT CEO Patrick Reid says the drop-in sessions are an important step in the process, providing an opportunity for people to explore the initial proposal and early plans, ask questions and provide feedback.

“This is an exciting project and we are looking forward to sharing the direction of our early plans at the community drop-in sessions,” Mr Reid said.

“Our vision is to renew the overall site by delivering more seniors living space, as well as wellbeing and lifestyle opportunities to support older people through all stages of ageing,” Mr Reid said.

No appointments are necessary to attend the drop-in sessions. There will be one daytime and one evening drop-in session. All interested parties are encouraged to visit at any time within the event timeframe of each session.

Drop-in sessions will be held:
Tuesday 13 August: 10 – 1pm
Thursday 15 August: 4pm 7pm

Location:
Church Hall, 4-6 Popes Road Woonona

The overall development is deemed state significant and will be assessed by the NSW Planning Minister.

Mr Reid says all feedback will be considered as IRT progresses through the required steps of the state significant development process, which will include assessment by the State Design Review Panel.

“We will continue to keep the community, including our residents, their families and our staff informed about our progress and we will come back with an opportunity for everyone to review our final development submission,” Mr Reid said.

IRT announced in 2023 it was taking steps towards an exciting new future for IRT Woonona. It is one of IRT’s oldest sites, built in the mid to late 1970s.

“As you can imagine with a property that is many decades old, some areas of the site are no longer fit for purpose, or designed in a way that will meet future expectations of older Australians,” Mr Reid explained.

“To achieve our vision and to provide the best possible living environment for our residents, the decision was made last year, to wind down the delivery of our services in the buildings known as Ribbonwood, Blueberry Ash and the rectory and demolish them.”

Mr Reid says that since this decision, and in consultation with IRT residents and their families, all have been relocated to new homes elsewhere in the IRT portfolio of properties.

A DA for the demolition of these buildings was approved by Wollongong City Council earlier this year. Early preparatory works for the demolition has already begun, with demolition to follow as early as November.

Media enquiries: Hannah Ellson 0429 361 627 | engage@irt.org.au

General enquiries: 134 478

About IRT Group:
IRT Group is one of Australia’s largest community-owned, not-for-profit providers of retirement living, residential aged care and home care. With more than 50 years’ experience and locations throughout NSW, the ACT and South East Queensland, we employ more than 2000 people and play a significant role in promoting seniors as dynamic, influential and valuable members of society.