IRT Woonona Seniors Housing Redevelopment Gets Green Light

Major approval has been granted for the IRT Woonona redevelopment, paving the way for a significant expansion of seniors housing in Wollongong’s north. The $122 million project will deliver five new buildings, offering 92 independent living units alongside additions to the existing residential care facility.

Adaptive reuse of a heritage-listed church forms part of the scheme, while a new wellness hub and extensive landscaping will enhance amenity for residents. Basement parking and increased communal space are also included, with 208 new trees planned across the 2.9-hectare site.

The project faced a complex set of constraints, including flood, heritage, and biodiversity considerations. Despite this, the determination unlocks both construction and ongoing operational jobs, supporting local employment as demand for seniors housing continues to rise.

For more information, search the application number (SSD-73910208) on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.

A set of architectural plans for the IRT Woonona redevelopment.
Project Snapshot
Project Overview
Application NumberSSD-73910208
Project TitleSeniors Housing Irt Woonona Redevelopment
Project StatusApproved
Determination Date17/04/2026
Project TypeSeniors Housing
Address4-6 Popes Road, Woonona
LGAWollongong City
DeveloperIllawarra Retirement Trust (IRT) Group
Project Metrics
Site Area29,066 sqm (2.91 ha)
GFA18,695 sqm
Dwellings92
Market Dwellings92
Storeys3–4
Parking155 car | 28 bike
Basement Levels1
Communal Open Space8,268 sqm
Capital Investment$122.0 million
Planning Metrics
ExistingProposedApproved
ZoningR2 Low Density Residential and E3 Productivity SupportR2 Low Density Residential and E3 Productivity Support
FSR0.50.6250.64
HOB9m12.8m, 14.8m16.05m, 14.525m, 15.47m, 15.38m, 15.57m, 16.83m
Project Team
DeveloperIllawarra Retirement Trust (IRT) Group
PlanningMMJ Town Planning & Advisory
ArchitectEdmiston Jones Pty Ltd
View Full Consultant Team
Architect (Residential Care Facility amendments)Calderflower Architects
Urban designerUrbanac
ArboristAllied Trees
Biodiversity consultantEco Planning
Acoustic consultantAcoustic Logic
Wind consultantSLR
Contamination consultantReditus
Waste consultantElephant's Foot
Civil engineerJN Consulting Engineers
Flood consultantWatertech
Social impact consultantGyde Consulting
Heritage consultantWeir Phillips
Geotechnical consultantSoilsrock
ArchaeologistAustral Archaeology
Community engagement consultantBrookes Community Engagement
BCA consultantBM+G
ESD/BASIX consultantCredwell
Traffic engineerStantec
Preliminary hazard analysisRiscon
Visual impact consultantUrbane
SurveyorOrion

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