DA lodged for stage two of Wagga’s Signature Care aged care development

There’s already 70 people on the waiting list for Signature Care’s $35 million aged care facility in Wagga, as plans for stage two are put before council. See what’s proposed.

An additional 36 beds are planned in the second stage of Signature Care’s $35 million residential aged care facility at Turvey Park, planning documents show.

Stage one of the facility, which is situated at the former Charles Sturt University (CSU) South Campus site at College and Hely street, is already under construction and will comprise of 144 beds and associated facilities.

Developers Taylors have now lodged a development application to Wagga City council for the next stage of the aged care facility on the south side of the site, which will cost $4.6 million.

Artist’s impression of the $4.6 million extension. Picture: Supplied

Project planning manager Clinton Witnish, from Croft Developments - which is handling the overall development - said the extension was necessary to meet demand.

“This is part of a new development application which will provide larger rooms and will include training facilities and more office space for our business side in the facility,” Mr Witnish said.

“This extension was in the plans due to high demand of people wanting aged care, we already have 70 people on the waiting list. As a business we need to meet demand of the ageing population.”

Planners believe that stage two of the proposed development “displays a high level of compliance” when assessed against relevant planning and environmental controls relating to the site.

The only “non compliance”, documents state, are relating to building height for a small portion of the building which planners deem “justified in the circumstances”.

The site is located within an established urban area of Wagga Wagga City, approximately 3km southwest of the CBD.

Planning documents revealed that residents of the stage two residential care facility would have access to the on-site facilities and services in stage one and two, which include a cafeteria, hairdresser, doctor’s office, library, cinema, chapel, physio office and large areas of outdoor recreation.

The proposed development would also consist of on-site parking with 25 car parking spaces and two accessible parking spaces for the additional site.

The former Charles Sturt University site which will house the aged care facility. Picture: Supplied

The planners argued this development was important given the challenges facing the aged care industry in Wagga.

“As a result of an ageing population and people’s desire to age in place, there is a genuine community need for the form of residential care services as proposed by this development,” they stated in the planning documents before council.

If approved, the development could see 36 extra beds added to the facility. Picture: Supplied

“The proposal will provide an excellent living environment for seniors requiring high care and provide employment opportunities for the local community.”

Mr Witnish told the Wagga News the extension of the aged care facility, if approved, would be likely opened in July next year.

Wagga City Council is yet to sign off on the proposal for stage two, with stage one currently under construction.