The University of Wollongong has lodged a revised development application for its planned Health and Wellbeing Precinct, which will bring together health research and teaching with health facilities and independent housing for over 55s.
The $250 million development will cover a 3.5-hectare area at the southern end of the university’s Innovation Campus in North Wollongong. It will aim to “promote intergenerational living, life-long learning and improve health outcomes for people across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region,” according to the university.
Prepared by PTW Architects, Scape Design and Six Degrees Urban, the phase 1 masterplan for the project was originally submitted to Wollongong City Council in January 2021.
In response to comments from the council and the independent Design Review Panel, the design team tweaked the proposal, reducing the scale of the residential buildings, removing some vehicle access to prioritize pedestrians and reconfiguring the open space.
The University of Wollongong Health and Wellbeing Precinct, looking south to the central green space from the pedestrian spine.
Image: PTW Architects, Scape Design and Six Degrees Urban
The revised concept masterplan calls for:
- A new larger, green open space, situated at the heart of the precinct and open to the whole community;
- a primary community heath centre that will combine community health services with a significant focus on teaching and research activities;
- an independent living retirement complex operated by the developer Lendlease that will feature quality facilities for residents and up to 240 apartments;
- residential aged care facility with up to 144 beds;
- childcare centre with approximately 80-100 places;
- Community facilities including a wellness centre, café and community hub;
- Neighbourhood retail to service the precinct;
- Sustainability features such as solar energy and water-sensitive urban design.
UOW vice-chancellor Patricia Davidson said, “The Health and Wellbeing Precinct is underpinned by a social mandate to support the health outcomes for the region. UOW seeks to build on our strengths and reputation for leading health research, particularly in aged care, dementia and mental health. Our ageing population creates a number of complex challenges and opportunities for our community, which go beyond the absence of disease.
“This is a terrific opportunity to shape the future economy of the city and capitalise on the demographic challenge facing the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast.”
Lendlease Retirement Living managing director Nathan Cockerill said the independent retirement accommodation would offer residents the benefits of intergenerational living.
“Future residents will have the opportunity to interact with people of all ages who visit the precinct, and also enjoy the benefits of living in a green environment that supports a healthy active lifestyle, close to beaches, recreational reserves and cycleways,” he said.
