The $300 million project by the Not For Profit on the former TAFE campus at Charlestown, 10km south west of the Newcastle CBD, marks the first time that NSW Government has granted State Significant Development Approval (SSDA) for a seniors’ living proposal under its new Housing State Environmental Planning Policy.
Uniting NSW.ACT, partnering with Plus Architecture, put the development to NSW Government as a State Significant Development (for capital works over $30 million) just over 12 months ago. With its commitment to a continuum of care strategy, the development’s four buildings will include 203 independent living units, 133 apartments and 120 residential aged care bedrooms.
Varying in height from five to 14 storeys, the Tiral Street development will also feature community facilities for socialising, a hair salon, pool, clubhouse, landscaped rooftop with BBQ area, outdoor seating and dining, cafe, walking paths, landscaped grounds and gardens and a chapel/multi faith space. Visiting rooms for GPs and allied health practitioners, and a wellness centre are also included in the plans.
“The demand for retirement living options is increasing rapidly,” Uniting Director of Property and Housing Simon Furness (pictured) said of the development. “Almost one in three people in the Lake Macquarie region is aged over 55, and the number of people aged 65 and over is expected to increase by almost 30 per cent over the next 20 years.”
Work on the tender process will commence in early 2024, with the aim to appoint the builder by late 2024. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2025.
Simon said Uniting “is steadfast in our plans to double the number of independent living units over the next 10 years to around 6,000, primarily driven by building new retirement villages”.
