IRT lodges plans for Woonona Place – a new era of seniors living in the Illawarra

IRT has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the revitalisation of its seniors’ living community located on Popes Road, Woonona. The plans propose a transformative new retirement and aged care community designed to set a new benchmark for seniors living in the Illawarra.

Interim IRT CEO Ross Gallagher says the SSDA lodgement marks a major milestone in shaping an exciting new future for one of IRT’s most historic sites.

“To reflect this transformation, we’re introducing a new name for the community – Woonona Place. It symbolises more than just a location; it represents belonging, connection and care in one of the region’s most naturally stunning settings,” Mr Gallagher said.

Nestled in one of the most desirable coastal enclaves along the Illawarra escarpment, just north of Wollongong, Woonona Place is a thoughtfully masterplanned estate that blends modern design, wellness-focused living, and community connection – all in one of the region’s most picturesque locations.

“Woonona Place is about more than building new homes, it’s about creating a lifestyle destination where older Australians can live independently, age with confidence, and stay connected to the people and places they love,” Mr Gallagher said.

“With stunning natural surrounds, high-quality architecture, and integrated wellness amenities, Woonona Place will set a new standard for what modern retirement living can look like in the Illawarra.”

The redevelopment includes:

• 98 brand-new residences, with a mix of two and three bedrooms across five architecturally designed buildings, each connected by landscaped paths and green spaces
• Social and Wellness Centre featuring a hydrotherapy pool, gym, and allied-health consulting room to support active ageing
• Clubhouse with a community kitchen, bar, and library to foster connection and social engagement
• Refurbished Flame Tree Aged Care Centre to deliver high-quality, compassionate care
• The sensitive restoration of the on-site heritage church into a character-rich restaurant, expanding dining options for residents and the local community.

Designed to honour its coastal bushland setting, Woonona Place integrates native landscaping and natural materials to create a serene, connected environment. The architectural and interior design

emphasises accessibility, comfort, and style. With every detail tailored to the needs of older residents.

“This is a legacy project for IRT, one that reflects our dedication to innovation, dignity, and choice in ageing,” Mr Gallagher added.

“This is one of several projects underway across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Far South Coast that highlights our commitment to reinvesting in our existing sites, while also developing new communities to meet growing demand.

Our goal is to deliver more senior’s living space, as well as lifestyle and wellbeing opportunities, to support older people through all stages of ageing – both now and into the future.”

“We look forward to working closely with our community and government partners as the planning process progresses.”

In 2023, IRT announced its plans to create a vibrant new future for its Woonona aged care and retirement living community – one of the organisation’s most historic sites, originally built in the 1970s. As part of early redevelopment steps, services were gradually wound down in the Ribbonwood, Blueberry Ash and rectory buildings.

Following development approval from Wollongong City Council in April 2024, demolition works on these buildings began soon after. With only the rectory building remaining, demolition is now nearing completion. The cleared areas have been seeded with grass to stabilise the soil, promoting a healthier environment while IRT awaits next steps for the redevelopment.

IRT’s plans for Woonona Place will soon be available on the NSW Department of Planning’s web portal for public exhibition and submissions. The assessment and determination process is expected to continue into 2026.

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