The University of Wollongong and Keyton Master Plan for a Health & Wellbeing Precinct on UOW’s Innovation Campus has been unanimously approved by the Southern Regional Planning Panel following a recommendation for approval by Wollongong City Council.
The Concept DA includes approval for the Master Plan including land uses, streets, public domain, maximum building envelopments and a full set of urban design guidelines.
When complete, the Precinct will include a residential aged care facility co-located with an early childcare facility, independent seniors living apartments (to be operated by Keyton), as well as community and wellness facilities.
There will be dedicated University spaces within each building to embed research and education activities within the Precinct, along with an extensive, landscaped public space known as the ‘green heart’ to be designed with involvement from the University and local First Nations community.
UOW Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor David Currow said: “The Health and Wellbeing Precinct is underpinned by a social mandate to address health inequities within the region.”
“With this project, UOW seeks to build on our strengths and reputation for leading health education and research, particularly in aged care, dementia and mental health. Our ageing population creates a number of complex challenges and opportunities for our community, which go beyond the absence of disease,” Professor Currow said.
“Keyton is very proud to continue to partner with the University of Wollongong to develop the Health & Wellbeing Precinct.” Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill said.
“This is a significant development that will benefit the broader Illawarra community, including employment, university placements and research opportunities on campus, as well as much-needed housing options for seniors.”
“The Keyton independent living community within the precinct will allow residents to age in place surrounded by a landscape that supports a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Keyton’s Head of Development, Jason Fitzgerald said: “This is a big step in the planning process for Keyton and the University of Wollongong to bring the Health and Wellbeing Precinct to life.”
“I am proud of the way the team has worked with all stakeholders, including the University, Wollongong City Council and local community.”
“Our engagement with the local First Nations community has been an incredibly positive experience, and we acknowledge the Wodi Wodi (Dharawal) people as the traditional owners of the County and their involvement in the Master Planning process to date and look forward to their ongoing involvement,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
More information about the project is available at Innovation Campus | Health & Wellbeing Precinct.
About Keyton:
Keyton is a leading owner and operator of retirement living communities in Australia with more than 75 villages nationally and 17,000 residents across the country. Keyton has over 30 years' experience in the market and an ongoing commitment to creating communities and care for residents.
About the University of Wollongong:
The University of Wollongong is in the world’s top 200 universities and renowned for its innovative approach to education and research excellence. Boasting a vibrant and multicultural campus community, it offers a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking. The university is committed to academic excellence and provides programs across various disciplines, including engineering, nursing, medicine, health sciences, and education. The University of Wollongong promotes social responsibility and sustainability, actively engaging with the community to make a positive impact locally and globally.
