IRT will hold a second round of community drop-in sessions this week to allow stakeholders to review updated plans for the future redevelopment of its seniors’ living community on Popes Road, Woonona.
Initial community drop-in sessions were held in August last year to help people explore preliminary redevelopment plans and share feedback with IRT.
IRT CEO Patrick Reid explains that since then, IRT has updated its plans after considering community feedback and input from the NSW State Design Review Panel.
“This is a state significant project and consulting with the community is an important step. We look forward to sharing our updated plans at the community drop-in sessions,” Mr Reid said.
At this stage, approximately 93 homes, including a mix of two and three-bedroom units, are proposed.
Mr Reid says the redevelopment of IRT Woonona will renew the overall site, while providing ongoing care to residents of the aged care centre in the Flametree building. The developed community will deliver more seniors’ living space, wellbeing and lifestyle opportunities to support older people through all stages of ageing.
“We are passionate about supporting seniors in enjoying the best quality of life possible and helping them maintain their independence for longer. We hope to do exactly that with the redevelopment of IRT Woonona,” Mr Reid said.
No appointments are necessary to attend the drop-in sessions. There will be one daytime and one late afternoon drop-in session. All interested parties are encouraged to visit at any time within the timeframe of each session.
Drop-in sessions will be held Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Session 1 time: 11 am – 1 pm
Session 2 time: 4 pm – 6.30 pm
Location: Church Hall, 4-6 Popes Road, Woonona
Mr Reid says IRT will continue to keep the community, including residents, their families and staff informed about progress.
In 2023, IRT announced 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. Services were wound down in the Ribbonwood, Blueberry Ash and rectory buildings in preparation for redevelopment of the site.
Wollongong City Council approved IRT’s DA for the demolition of these buildings in April 2024, and by November, stage 1 of the program began with the Blueberry Ash buildings.
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.
