Design fosters welcoming, user-friendly environment catering to the local and broader community
The University of Wollongong has lodged a revised Development Application (DA) to Wollongong City Council for a masterplan concept for Phase 1 of the proposed world-class Health and Wellbeing Precinct.
This DA updates the initial DA submitted to Council in January 2021 and reflects the ongoing collaboration with Council and its independent Design Review Panel to refine and improve the masterplan design and technical elements for precinct users, the University, and wider community.
The phase 1 masterplan concept is for the 3.5-hectare area located at the southern end of the University’s Innovation Campus at North Wollongong. The Precinct is estimated to cost $250 million to build and will deliver more than $600 million in increased economic output to the region during construction and operations.
Announced in 2018, the University’s Health and Wellbeing Precinct is a ground-breaking concept that combines health research and teaching with patient-centred, multidisciplinary health facilities and independent housing for over 55s.
The Precinct has been designed to promote intergenerational living, life-long learning and improve health outcomes for people across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region. It will be a place for living, learning, working and growing in an environment that supports complete physical, social and mental health and wellbeing. When completed in 2025, the Precinct will be Australia’s first Intergenerational University Community.
Its design aims to foster a welcoming, user-friendly environment that invites all ages to enjoy, and caters to the local and broader community. With people at the centre of the concept’s design, the Precinct will promote physical activity and provide open space and social hubs to stimulate community connections.
The Development Application outlines a revised concept masterplan for Council’s consideration, including:
- A new larger, green open space, situated at the heart of the Precinct and open to the whole community;
- An Independent Living Retirement complex operated by 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.
The Precinct will include a Primary Community Heath Centre that will combine community health services with a significant focus on teaching and research activities. This is now proposed to be located prominently at the precinct entry.
The project will be a major stimulant to the local economy, generating hundreds of jobs during its construction and operation.
Further detailed development applications to realise the vision for the Precinct will be submitted in future.
Pending final planning approvals, construction of the Precinct is proposed to commence in 2022 and the facilities are expected to be fully operational by 2025.
