$300 million residential seniors complex in NSW given the green light

A $300 million seniors' housing development has been approved for the site of the former TAFE in Charlestown, New South Wales.

Located at 27 Tiral Street, the seniors' living complex will deliver one and two-bedroom independent living units, residential apartments, and assisted living options - with services provided by a non-profit organization, Uniting. Designed by Plus Architecture and Arcadia, the seniors' compound will feature four individual buildings, with varying heights ranging from 5-14 storeys.

The complex will feature a suite of amenities to encourage interaction, enhance quality of life and improve physical and mental wellbeing. A hair salon, public open spaces, a pool, a clubhouse with function space, a landscaped rooftop with BBQ area, outdoor seating and dining, a cafe, walking trails, landscaped gardens, multi-faith spaces, a wellness centre and visiting rooms for general practitioners and allied health professionals have been included in the plans.

On the facade, a combination of glazed and brick features will be integrated in a variety of brick configurations and shades. To ensure the structure harmonizes with the local context, a warm, white and terracotta colour palette has been selected for the exterior faces. Changes in the expression of each building will be evident across the site. The mass breakup and stepped form of the buildings has been designed to maximize exposure to sunlight.

Biophilic design principles have been integrated to improve resident well-being through the establishment of private and public open spaces, a dedicated and secure dementia garden, and a consistent visual connection to the outdoors through glazed openings.

Planning documents state residences have been designed to enable "aging in place," meaning that the "dwelling can be gradually adapted and retrofitted to suit the needs of the residents as they age."

The development marks the first time the NSW Government has granted State Significant Development Approval (SSDA) for a seniors' living proposal under its recently amended - in November 2023 - Housing State Environmental Planning Policy, which enables certain developments to be fast-tracked through the planning process.

Uniting director of property and housing, Simon Furness said the demand for senior housing options is increasing rapidly in the Charlestown and Lake Macquarie region. "Almost one in three people in Lake Macquarie 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," Furness said.

The development is located streets away from the forthcoming $30 million, four-storey health hub currently being constructed on Smith Street, which developer GPV Property announced will contain a GP clinic, pharmacy, private hospital beds, and other medical services.

The tender process for the seniors living precinct is anticipated to begin in early 2024, with the aim to appoint a construction company by late 2024. Construction is expected to commence in early 2025.