Inner-city Wollongong is set to get an influx of senior citizens, with an eight-level independent living development likely to be approved at the end of this week.
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Retirement housing group IRT hopes to build the $33.7 million complex, which would house 75 two and three-bedroom apartments over the six upper levels, next to its existing Howard Court apartment building at the corner of Stewart and Kembla streets.
There would be two levels of parking on the ground floor and first level for 81 cars, as well as a ground level cafe and restaurant, resident lounge area and four ‘‘activity spaces’’ which could be used to provide a hairdresser and other services.
The approval for the development, to be known as Howard Court 2, is on the agenda for Friday’s Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) meeting.
Only three submissions on the plans were received during Wollongong City Council’s exhibition period last year.
Supporting statements were received from an existing resident of Howard Court and Neighbourhood Forum 5, while an unknown objector raised issues about the building’s street front activation, security and the interaction between the two neighbouring IRT complexes.
‘‘I would envisage that this precinct of Howard Court 1 and 2 will create and nourish an active and friendly seniors community,’’ the objecting resident wrote.
‘‘I am concerned that the stark difference between the two complexes will limit of restrict an open interaction between residents.’’
But council officers said IRT had addressed any concerns over the building’s previously blank Kembla Street frontage by creating an ‘‘architectural screen’’ and space for artwork, and also said the building’s security measures were satisfactory.
‘‘The relationship between the two facilities has been considered in terms of legislative requirements [and] there is no requirement for the two buildings to operate in concert with each other,’’ the council report said.
Additionally, while the 26-metre building is taller than the 24-metre height limit of Wollongong’s planning controls, council officers said they were satisfied it would not block sunlight in the neighbouring Pioneer Rest Park.
The JRPP last month voted to defer a decision on the seniors living complex, allowing IRT time to address requirements of the relevant state planning policy.
After originally suggesting the complex be approved, council staff have reviewed the company’s responses to the planning policy and have again recommended the building be approved.