New life planned for vacant NSW North Coast retirement village

Plans have been unveiled to redevelop a closed retirement village in Yamba, renewing the more than 40-year-old 16-unit complex.

Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said the Not For Profit is progressing the redevelopment of the site in the NSW Northern Rivers region, with 16 new independent living units and architecture by Integrated Design Group. 

“The project represents an investment in excess of $10 million and is progressing through the Development Application process with Clarence Valley Council. Subject to approvals, completion is targeted for 2027,” Chris told The Weekly SOURCE.

“The redevelopment will reposition the site as a modern retirement village, with significantly upgraded accommodation, new units, a new community centre and enhanced shared spaces.”

Whiddon says there is strong underlying demand for retirement living in Yamba, where the population is significantly older than the national average and continues to grow due to retiree and lifestyle migration. Clifton, Hometown Australia, Palm Lake Resort, Parkside and Uniting all operate in Yamba.

“From Whiddon’s perspective, this is about investing in Yamba for the long term,” Chris added. “The current village has served the community well, but it has reached a point where redevelopment is the only way to deliver the quality and choice people expect.”

The Yamba project, which is before Clarence Valley Council, forms part of Whiddon’s wider capital program across regional New South Wales and Queensland.

Whiddon is also investing in its existing homes and villages across the NSW Far North Coast and Northern Rivers, including its Mareeba Aged Care Home which was acquired in 2025.

In addition, the operator is redeveloping its Temora Aged Care Home, located in the NSW Riverina region.