Plans have been unveiled to transform one of the Port's derelict building sites into a 100-unit, $23 million seniors living development.
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For more than a decade Tilligerry residents have complained bitterly about the the abandoned plaza site in Tanilba Bay, branding the disused building as an "eyesore" and a danger to undesirables who have been known to frequent the vandalised building.
The same residents this week welcomed news of a proposal to demolish the existing building and construct a state-of-the-art aged facility that is expected to revitalise a tired, run down looking town centre.
Architect and facilitator Warwick Lindsay, acting of behalf of land owners Carseem Pty Ltd, told the Examiner this week that he expected a development application for 100 self-contained units for seniors would be lodged with Port Stephens Council within weeks.
"We are just awaiting final approval from the banks before submitting the DA," Mr Lindsay said.
"This will be a quality development in Mediterranean-style seniors living, featuring a swimming pool, gymnasium, kitchen, laundry, with plenty of open space and landscaping."
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Mr Lindsay estimated that the two-bedroom units would start from $350,000.
He said there was widespread support for the proposal following a recent public meeting held at Lemon Tree Passage Bowling Club, attended by approximately 100 people.
"The most significant concern centred around carparking, which we have been able to satisfactorily address. We won't be asking for any special compensation, the number of parking spaces will be within the planning code."
Longtime Tanilba Bay residents Aubrey Brooks and Fran Corner are just two of the many residents on the peninsula who had expressed their concerns for the safety of mainly youth accessing the vandalised building and been vocal in their calls for Port Stephens Council to safeguard the site.
When contacted about the new plans, Mr Brooks said it was great news and that he could not wait for construction to commence and rid the community of its "eyesore".
Ms Corner, who attended the public meeting, said the plans had widespread support.
"I would think such a development could pave the way for new families to move into the area, possibly buying up the homes of those residents looking to move into the new development."
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Anthony Aiossa, owner of the nearby Tanilba Bay Professional Centre, said that he would welcome the redevelopment and subsequent improvements to the site.
"I have also obtained development approval for four new townhouses at 61 Beatty Boulevard, Tanilba Bay, and together with the proposal for this site I think that this project will help revitalise the town centre."
Mr Lindsay said that the seniors development would come under the category of 'ageing in place', a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice for as long as they are able while being provided services (or other support) they might need over time.
He expects the development to breath new life into the Tilligerry peninsula.
He said the complex would comprise two levels and sold under a lease back arrangement.
"We have taken particular attention to being environmentally friendly, with solar access and using crushed concrete from the demolition of the brickwork for base."
A Port Stephens Council spokesperson confirmed that seniors living was a permissible land use on the site and no rezoning would be required.
It has been reported that Carseem, in care of accountants Lambourne Partners, purchased the complex for $3.55 million in 1996.