IRT’s $25m project will be one of the largest specialist aged care facilities to be built in the Illawarra.

IRT Chief Executive Nieves Murray was joined by Federal Member for Cunningham and Minister for Higher Education and Skills Sharon Bird MP to commemorate the moment.

Citing a 72% increase in those aged over 65 by 2040, Ms Murray said that the new care centre will form a critical part of their stratgey.

“It will not only address that demand but set a new standard in purpose-designed, quality accommodation for people in need of full-time care,” she said.

The 100-suite, two-level 8000sqm Care Centre will provide much-needed dementia specific care, as well as individual care suites and staff training facilities.

Residents from IRT Towadgi Park Care Centre will move into the new facility once completed in mid-2014.