IRT undaunted after seniors living plan rejected following seven years of talks
IRT Towradgi redevelopment rejected after lengthy process
- DA refused: 89-home seniors living proposal rejected by planning panel
- Long process: Seven years of planning, revisions and council engagement
- Key issues: Flooding, infrastructure and site constraints cited
- Next steps: IRT to explore alternative development options for the site
The Not For Profit had resubmitted a development application (DA) to redevelop a retirement village in December 2022 after working with Wollongong City Council.
IRT first met with the Council about redeveloping the site in Towradgi, a beachside suburb 5km north of Wollongong. in 2018.
In 2022, IRT and Wollongong City Council agreed to incorporate raised internal road levels to address concerns regarding maximum flood levels and adequate flood and stormwater management in lower levels of the village.
The revised DA for Elements at IRT Towradgi Beach proposed the construction of 89 homes, including 17 villas, 24 villa-style apartments and 48 apartments with a mix of two- and three-bedrooms.
However, the Council’s Wollongong Local Planning Panel unanimously rejected the development application on 31 March 2026, citing 10 reasons for refusal.
“After seven years of design development, revisions and engagement, IRT acknowledged the decision, confirming it will now progress plans that better respond to the planning, environmental and infrastructure constraints identified through the assessment process,” the Not For Profit said in a statement provided to The Weekly SOURCE.
“While we’re disappointed we couldn’t progress a seniors’ living community on this site, we respect the Panel’s decision,” IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said.
“This is a challenging site, and the assessment process made clear there are a range of issues that affect what can viably and appropriately be delivered here - including flooding, infrastructure and broader site constraints.”
Ross said IRT will now explore alternative development pathways for the land, focused on housing that better responds to those constraints while continuing to support local need.
“Across the Illawarra, housing availability remains under pressure, and there is a clear need for more diverse and accessible housing options,” he said.
“We remain committed to ensuring this site can still play a meaningful role for the community, and that means adapting our approach to deliver something that is achievable, appropriate and valuable.”
He added the shift also reflects the need to take a long-term and responsible approach to IRT’s property portfolio.
IRT received approval to build the village on the 27,493sqm site in March 1972, which later housed an aged care facility that has since been vacated. The organisation signalled its intention to redevelop the property in 2019 and lodged a development application in November 2021.
