Future of aged care to take shape in Dapto with landmark land deal
Major land deal between Housing Trust and Warrigal.
A major land deal between Housing Trust and Warrigal is poised to reshape the future of ageing and community living in the Illawarra, with more than 14,500 square metres in central Dapto earmarked for a state-of-the-art retirement, aged care and affordable housing precinct.
Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins said the site at the former Dapto Primary School is at a scale rarely available so close to transport, shops and community services.
“We are very excited about the location. It means it’s close to transport and shops. It enables that accessibility for older people. I think people will be attracted to it because of the intergenerational connections they’ll have in the area.”
The project arrives at a critical moment for the aged care sector. Demand is rising sharply, while traditional facility-led models remain constrained, requiring 10,000 new beds per year over the next 10 decade.
The Warrigal development will sit alongside the Housing Trust’s forthcoming project, which will include a mix of affordable and privately owned rentals.
Rather than simply adding more beds, Warrigal plans to use the Dapto site to pioneer new models of care, with technology positioned at the centre.
“How does technology play in the future of aged care?” Hutchins said.
“The next generation of older people is more tech-savvy, and they are more interested in how they can have a home that meets their needs, which includes technology. So how do we provide that?”
Co-design will drive the development, with conversations extending well beyond the current cohort of retirees.
“We do want to co-design. We want to talk with residents. We want to talk with older people. We want to talk with younger people about what they’d like to see in the future. We want to talk to staff, but we’re definitely looking at village-type accommodation and residential elderly care.”
The precinct is expected to blend retirement living, residential aged care and affordable housing, supported by community amenities that encourage connection across generations.
“It’d be lovely to have a mixed approach … where you can actually engage with multiple generations,” Hutchins said.
She said the development will take several years to build, with design-to-construction typically taking seven years, aiming for delivery by 2032-35.
Warrigal will also seek government partnership to support delivery
“This is a way of investing in the future. We’re going to need support to build because the return on investment in residential aged care is not there. We’ll definitely be talking to our government about how we can partner.”
Housing Trust CEO Amanda Winks said the adjoining affordable housing development could also help support a localised care workforce.
“We know our region faces a significant shortage of both aged care and affordable housing options. Mixed-use developments combining retirement living, aged care, and affordable homes are recommended as a practical solution,” Winks said.
“Together, we can create a vibrant, supportive community that meets real local needs and strengthens wellbeing for everyone. In so many ways, this is more than a transaction; it’s a positive step toward creating homes and spaces where people can truly thrive.”