IRT has commenced a $45 million upgrade of Diment Towers in Wollongong, a building originally funded by a lamington drive over 50 years ago. The facility, named after founder Max Diment, was first opened in 1969 and is now undergoing a full refurbishment.
IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the original building was paid for by the community, with fundraising efforts including a lamington drive and donations from local businesses. The upgrade is fully funded by IRT.
The redevelopment follows the closure of the aged care component in 2022, leaving only 19 residents in independent living units. Those residents have been temporarily relocated to other IRT properties and are expected to return when work is completed early next year.
The refurbishment will include 102 independent living units, comprising studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. New features will include landscaped gardens, accessible walkways, communal areas, and an upgraded facade.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown praised IRT for choosing to upgrade the building rather than demolish it, noting that the council originally donated the land for the facility. She highlighted the importance of aged care and housing as key national issues.
