This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
AGED care provider Uniting NSW.ACT is poised to develop much needed seniors’ housing in Shellharbour.
The not-for-profit provider is moving forward with its plans to create a seniors’ community at Wattle Road in the Shellharbour City Centre.
The development will be delivered in four stages, with the first to provide 152 apartments, community facilities and landscaped communal spaces.
Included in Stage 1, 10% of the apartments will be made available as affordable housing for seniors.
Simon Furness, director of property and housing, Uniting, said by 2031, the number of people aged over 65 years in the Shellharbour area is predicted to increase to over 19,100 people, highlighting a growing need to ensure the area is well equipped to provide quality accommodation and services, allowing seniors to age in place in a thriving, welcoming community.
“We’ve been providing quality aged care services in the Illawarra area for over 50 years, and we’re committed to investing in the long-term future of Shellharbour,” he added.
The Uniting’s Wattle Road Shellharbour development will offer a combination of independent living apartments and Assisted Living Services on site, supporting residents to continue living in their home of choice, as their care needs change.
As part of Stage 1 planning, Uniting has submitted two applications to Shellharbour City Council; a Modification Application and a Development Application. The Modification Application aims to update and improve the 2014 approved design to more accurately reflect current planning guidelines and market expectations.
“Uniting has been seeking to meet the area’s long-term need for aged care services and seniors housing for many years, and we’re excited to continue building quality homes and services for Shellharbour’s seniors with the addition of our Wattle Road development.” Furness said.
The Wattle Road development is the latest stage in Uniting’s overall plan for the Shellharbour area, joining Uniting Elanora residential aged care which opened in 2011 and the expansion of Uniting Lakeview independent living village, which opened in 2019.
If the applications are approved, stage one construction is anticipated to start in late 2025/early 2026 for an early Autumn 2028 completion.
