PORT Stephens Council have unanimously approved a development application (DA) for a seniors independent living village at the site of the derelict Tilligerry Plaza.

The proposal will repurpose a semi-completed shopping centre in Tanilba Bay that has sat vacant for nearly 20 years.

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Mike Coddington appeared before Council at their most recent meeting as a representative of Imagining for Good, a not-for-profit organisation that oversees the operation of aged care villages.

“This project began a little over two years ago,” Mr Coddington said.

“The parties involved…pursuing their commitment to accessible housing came up with this proposal.

“What was at the heart of the proposal was to convert the dilapidated plaza that was formerly on the Tanilba Bay site into an accessible community for seniors living.”

The village, which has been named The Caswell, will be a grouping of 51 single and two-bedroom villas with a communal clubhouse and facilities as well as staff employed 24/7, including nurses to provide on-site care to residents.

The site itself, situated on President Wilson Walk, had been the subject of a development through the 2000s called Tilligerry Plaza.

Work on the project stalled, and the shell of the shopping centre has sat unoccupied for quite some time.

The organisations involved in the construction of The Caswell have developed their proposal in line with Council’s aim to increase housing density in already developed areas, reducing the need for clearing new areas of land and making it easier to utilise existing infrastructure and community services.

Cr Chris Doohan welcomed the project in principle, expressing the relief of local residents that the “Taniba Bay Eyesore” would finally be gone, with a quality development in its place.

After seeking some clarification around a variation to parking plans for the site Cr Doohan jokingly commented that “there’s a site in Anna Bay you might be interested in”.

When discussing the motion to approve the development Cr Doohan also referred to the myriad social and community problems associated with the site.

“There’s a whole bunch of negative things that have gone on with that site,” said Cr Doohan, “but this is magnificent.”

“I love to see such a good development that’s ticking boxes for Council development.”

Cr Rosalyn Armstrong stated that following a visit to the site she has determined that “the development is in the public interest, especially the interest of those living in Tanilba Bay”.

While unreservedly supporting the motion, Cr Giacomo Arnott did comment: “I sure wouldn’t be disappointed to see a DA come in for an amendment to the approval to increase the density of that site.”

By Lindsay HALL