Green light for Uniting’s Shellharbour housing
A contemporary seniors village is planned for the Illawarra region with four buildings comprising 152 retirement and independent living apartments.
New South Wales aged care and retirement living provider Uniting NSW ACT is progressing with its plans for a new seniors community in the Illawarra region south of Sydney.
The plan includes constructing 152 retirement and independent living apartments across four buildings in the City of Shellharbour. Among the one, two, and three-bedroom options, 10 per cent of the independent living apartments will be available as affordable housing for seniors.
It follows the 2021 completion of Uniting Elanora residential aged care, which opened in 2011, and the expansion of Uniting Lakeview independent living village, which opened in 2019.
Uniting director of property and housing Simon Furness said the organisation was committed to investing in the long-term future of Shellharbour.
“Our vision for this project is to create a modern village that fosters social connection amongst an increasing ageing population,” Mr Furness said.
“A welcoming community where companionship is encouraged, without compromising residents’ privacy.”
Village residents will benefit from amenities in the works, including basement parking for 149 vehicles, two landscaped central courtyards and two landscaped roof top terraces, all situated close to the local shopping centre and medical facilities.
Uniting has submitted both modification and development applications to Shellharbour City Council as part of Stage 1 planning, and aims to update the approved design from 2014 in order to represent the current planning guidelines and market expectations.
Updates include:
- increased cross-ventilation and solar access to many of the apartments
- separation between buildings to improve privacy
- improved pedestrian access from Wattle Road
- a clubroom and administrative offices
- separate access to the basement for residents and service vehicles.
The first of four construction stages is hoped to commence in late 2025 or early 2026 for an early autumn 2028 completion if the applications are approved.
Mr Furness said the area’s long awaited need for aged care services and seniors housing has been on Uniting’s agenda.
“We’re excited to continue building quality homes and services for Shellharbour’s seniors with the addition of our Wattle Road development,” Mr Furness said.
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