Plans hope to be lodged with Port Stephens Council “within weeks” for a $30 million Community Apartment Project (CAP) at the area’s eyesore, the former Tilligerry Plaza shopping centre in Tanilba Bay.
Tanilba Bay, 191km North-Northeast of Sydney’s CBD, already has Calvary Tanilba Shores Retirement Village and Sunrise Over 55s Lifestyle Community nearby.
The project's architect and facilitator Warwick Lindsay, told the Port Stephens Examiner, on behalf of land owners, that subject to approvals construction on 100 two-bedroom apartments, in single and two-level apartment blocks, could start in the first half of 2022.
The claimed objective is to create community centred development ideal for seniors downsizing, a CAPs project.
“This development is not another retirement village or over 55 park which has seen an explosion in the Port Stephens local government area, instead it will provide a unique experience for the older generation looking to remain or move into the area," he said.
"Other features include a mix of large and small community areas, a 25-metre heated swimming pool, gym, medical suites, coffee shop, art supply shop and an active street frontage to the main street of President Wilson Walk.
"We are also proposing to upgrade the street and turn it in an area that people will want to come and visit and lap up the atmosphere of the whole village."
Mr Lindsay said that the site owners have been talking to council officers who are "enthusiastic about what is about to take place" and who have contributed their ideas which have been incorporated into the plans.
"Our aim is to end up with a great project and something that will change the face of the Tilligerry peninsula, which already has a great golf club, bowling club and shopping precinct," he said.
"We want to make it very clear that the development will be accessible to the younger generation as well. We hope to use the heated pool for swim classes and the pool and gym for recreation purposes."
