The Uniting Church has won approval for its $300-million seniors housing development on the former TAFE site in Newcastle.
Construction is expected to start in early 2025 on the four-building project that will rise to 15 storeys at Charlestown.
The project is the first State Significant Development Approval (SSDA) for a seniors’ living proposal under the state government’s Housing State Environmental Planning Policy.
Uniting director of property and housing Simon Furness said the development would generate jobs and provide a range of housing and care options for older people in the Lower Hunter.
“The demand for retirement living options is increasing rapidly,” he said.
“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.”
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the development’s location and mix of housing aligned with the council’s vision for the area.
“It’s close to existing services, shops and transport, it addresses our growing need for new housing and it will be a driver of employment for many years to come,” Fraser said.
“Uniting’s development is also just a few blocks from the new $30-million medical centre under construction on Smith Street and two minutes from the health precinct expanding around Lake Macquarie Private Hospital.”
Furness said he was “delighted” that the project had been fast-tracked under the state significant development process.
“Recognising the demand and ongoing need for quality retirement living options, Uniting is steadfast in our plans to double the number of independent living units over the next 10 years to around 6000, primarily driven by the building of new retirement villages,” he said.
As part of its focus on supporting seniors and providing retirement living options that enable a continuum of care, the development’s four buildings will include more than 200 independent living units and a residential aged-care home with 120 beds.
Work on the tender process will begin in early 2024, with the aim being to appoint the builder by late 2024.
