A $61M seniors’ housing development for 202 residents is proposed for an 11ha site in Wadalba.
The proposal by Johns Road Pty Ltd, on land bounded by 125 to 135 Johns Rd and 95 Murawal Rd, is currently being assessed by Hunter and Central Regional Planning Panel.
The plan is to build 202 residential units suitable for seniors in three different styles of accommodation.
There will be 116 two-bedroom independent living units, each separate, with one unit on the lower level and another on the second level, contained in 58 two-storey townhouse style buildings.
Eighty serviced apartments will be contained in 10 two-storey buildings, each comprising four units on each level, an internal lift and basement parking.
There will be six single storey villas.
A variety of recreation and community buildings will include a two-storey community centre with a pool on the lower level, and on the upper level, there’ll be a lounge, games area, kitchen, bar, foyer, gym, terraces, reception and offices.
A Men’s Shed and a bowling green are included in the plans.
The developers are planning to establish the project over seven stages and it will be registered and operated in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act 1999, with a full-time manager and appropriate medical and nursing services, as well as kitchen and cleaning staff.
A report submitted by the applicant says that the 11ha site was being used for rural residential purposes, mainly including the keeping of domestic stock, including horses, cattle and chickens, which is prevalent in the area, but it is slowly being replaced with more intensive residential development.
“The proposed development responds to the ageing population of the Central Coast by providing diverse housing options for seniors within a developing urban area.
“It will provide both self-care housing, where residents can retain their independence while living in a community, as well as hostel accommodation, including meals, laundering, cleaning and other services as well as 24/7 staffing.”
The report said the provision of both self-care housing and serviced apartments in the one location meant seniors could transition through different stages of retirement living without the stress of moving neighbourhoods.
Reporter: Sue Murray