The 18-hectare vacant block (bordered in red) on the NSW South Coast has been earmarked for a seniors housing development. Image: Supplied.
A new library, sauna and diverse accommodation offerings could be coming to a South Coast town, according to a draft masterplan.
IRT’s initial concept plans for a proposed seniors housing development were released during a community information session.
IRT Group development manager Jason Webster said the company saw the project as community-focused.
“The masterplan itself is designed to deliver a range of experiences … [and create] connection, not just between the seniors living community but also the broader Eurobodalla region.”
The draft plan includes a mix of residential aged care, retirement living and workers accommodation.
There would also be on-site amenities and community facilities. Small-scale retail spaces, landscaping and walkable streets are also proposed.
If given the go-ahead, an 18 hectare site at 11 Spencer Street in Moruya would house the project.
The plans may change, as a development application hasn’t been lodged for the project and IRT makes changes in line with public feedback.
However, the current plans put forward a range of housing options, such as apartments and villas. There would also be a purpose-built aged care centre in the northeast of the block.
IRT also proposes other facilities, including a heated pool for hydrotherapy and exercise, a library, cafe and clubhouse.
Mr Webster said the lifestyle facilities were envisaged as being “close to everyone’s home”, and would also be open to the public.
“It’s not just your standard institutional, traditional aged care facility.
“This is very much a new idea, a new concept that we’re very excited about, which draws on all of the site’s opportunities.”
Associate director of consulting company Ethos Urban Daniel Pantelas also spoke at the meeting.
He said the main access would be off Francis Street, as it offered easy access to the nearby Eurobodalla Regional Hospital development, while a second entry would be through Vulcan Street and connect to the lifestyle facilities.
A traffic assessment is ongoing.
Mr Pantelas said the construction timeline for the project, if approved, would depend on approvals and funding availability.
“IRT’s not expecting that development would occur all at once.”
The meeting also heard that measures such as internal fire roads were also expected to be part of the development as the site was considered bushfire-prone.
Mr Webster also said an existing house on the block would likely be removed.
“It won’t be retained because it doesn’t fit in the masterplan … we don’t have any definite [plans for it] at the moment, though we are looking for options,” he said.
“There are no current plans to retain it as part of the masterplan.”
The meeting heard that work on the plans was continuing, with the finalised version expected to be lodged later this year.
As it is deemed state significant, it will be assessed by the NSW Planning Minister (rather than Eurobodalla Shire Council).
Construction is then expected to start in mid-2027, if the project is given the green light.
