Live well longer

Health & Wellbeing Precinct

The Health and Wellbeing Precinct is an exciting phase of development proposed for the Innovation Campus. The proposed Precinct will support the University’s vision to create knowledge for a better world and making a difference for our communities.

One of Australia’s first intergenerational university communities

The Precinct will be one of Australia’s first intergenerational university communities – a place for living, learning, working and growing in an environment that supports complete physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing.

Human health presents complex and pressing challenges for our society – and it goes far beyond simply the absence of disease. The University of Wollongong (UOW) and Keyton (Precinct development partner) are committed to driving innovation in healthcare research, education and delivery for a better, healthier future for all.

Update: State Significant DA currently being prepared

Concept DA approved May 2024

The Concept DA for the Health and Wellbeing Precinct was approved by Wollongong City Council and the Southern Regional Planning Panel on 6 May 2024.

A State Significant DA is currently being prepared for submission to the NSW Department of Planning.

The State Significant DA includes more detailed plans for the proposed buildings and open spaces as well as amendments to the Residential Care Facility previously approved under the Concept DA.

These amendments include:

  • An increase in the proposed number of Residential Care beds to 180, and
  • Improvements to the position of the proposed Residential Care and Early Learning building allowing additional views to Mt Djeera and Mt Djembla from precinct open spaces.

Precinct features

Residential care / early learning

Operators: TBC

The new development will co-locate a Residential Care Facility and an Early Learning Centre, creating opportunities for intergenerational connection and community. It will provide 180 residential care beds and 60 early learning spaces, supported by integrated research and education to enhance learning, wellbeing, and innovation across all age groups.

Seniors living / retirement village

Operator: Keyton

Stage 1 will include 95 Independent Living Units (ILUs), Retirement Living Facilities, a Wellness Centre and integrated research and education spaces.

Stage 2 will include 140 Independent Living Units (ILUs), Retirement Living facilities and integrated research and education spaces.

Infrastructure / recreational spaces

The precinct will feature a Pedestrian Spine linking to the Innovation Campus, an Intergenerational Plaza by the lake, and a Green Heart with lawns, seating, shade, a cultural trail, and ‘chain of ponds.’ A Highpoint lookout offers views of Mt Djeera and Mt Djembla. Squires Way adds bike/pedestrian paths and a signalised crossing to Stuart Park and North Wollongong Beach, with expanded parking replacing existing. 

Precinct benefits

  • Intergenerational living: Daily social engagement across all ages within one vibrant precinct
  • Health & wellbeing: Seamless continuum of care, mental and physical wellbeing, and increased social connection for seniors
  • Research & education: Real-world learning and work integrated placements, informed by cutting edge innovation and research
  • Community & cultural: Recreation spaces open to all, cultural engagement, and social cohesion
  • Economic & housing: Significant investment and jobs, new seniors living and care supply for Illawarra region
  • University reputation & capability: Leadership in health and wellbeing research, student readiness and innovative model nationally

Project next steps

Community and stakeholder engagement is very important to us. Community engagement for the State Significant Development Application (DA) will be ongoing between September to December 2025.

If you would like to be involved or provide feedback, please contact the project team.

6 May 2024

Concept DA approved.

2025

Community engagement will occur in September to December 2025.

2026

State Significant DA lodgment and assessment

Early-mid 2027

Start on site

Living well longer

Precinct Master Plan
Aerial view of a coastal city with a beach, green spaces, and several modern buildings with parking lots near the shoreline.
Aerial view of the Health & Wellbeing Precinct

Australia’s premier retirement community developer with over 30 years of expertise

Partnering with Keyton

Keyton is a leading owner, operator and developer of retirement communities in Australia.​

Today, over 17,000 residents in more than 75 villages around the country, from vibrant inner-city residences to charming coastal communities call Keyton home.​

With over 30 years of experience in the retirement sector, they are an independent brand, proudly owned and backed by Aware Super, APG and Lendlease​.

As a premier developer of purpose-built independent seniors’ living communities in Australia, Keyton is empowered for growth now and into the future.

Contact keyton

Provide feedback or enquire about the project