Keyton-UoW partner on innovative integrated precinct

Monday, 01 May 2023

Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and take it easy, but it’s also a time to prioritise your health and wellbeing

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is set to build a world-class Health and Wellbeing Precinct that will revolutionise the way people think about health and wellbeing. This ground-breaking project will combine health research and teaching with patient-centred, multidisciplinary health facilities and Keyton’s independent retirement living for over 55s. When completed in 2025, the Precinct will be Australia’s first Intergenerational University Community.

Combining life-long learning and intergenerational living

The Precinct has been designed to promote intergenerational living, life-long learning and improve health outcomes for people across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region. It will be a place for living, learning, working, and growing in an environment that supports complete physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing.

Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill acknowledged the significant lifestyle benefits the Precinct would bring.

“Residents will be able to access all the benefits of intergenerational living and have the best facilities and research taking place on their doorstep.

“Future residents will have the opportunity to interact with people of all ages who visit the precinct, and also enjoy the benefits of living in a green environment that supports a healthy active lifestyle, close to beaches, recreational reserves and cycleways,” he said.

A place for all ages

Its design aims to foster a welcoming, user-friendly environment that invites all ages to enjoy, and caters to the local and broader community.

With people at the centre of the concept’s design, the Precinct will promote physical activity and provide open space and social hubs to stimulate community connections.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson emphasized the project's mandate to support health outcomes for the region.

“The Health and Wellbeing Precinct is underpinned by a social mandate to support the health outcomes for the region. UOW seeks to build on our strengths and reputation for leading health research, particularly in aged care, dementia, and mental health. Our ageing population creates a number of complex challenges and opportunities for our community, which go beyond the absence of disease,” she said.

Supporting the region

The $250m Precinct will deliver more than $600m in increase economic output to the region during construction and operation. It will also provide significant benefits to the community, including access to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and a green environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle. It’s sustainability features, such as solar energy and water-sensitive urban design will not only benefit the environment but also improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

The Health and Wellbeing Precinct will create a healthier, happier, and more connected community that can thrive in an environment that supports complete physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing.