Kiama Council has appointed a contractor following an open competitive tender process, to undertake the demolition of the former aged care building at 2 Havilah Place, Kiama.
At its July 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors appointed TCE Contracting, a qualified and experienced demolition company.
The former nursing home was vacated in 2019 and has become unsafe due to mould, vandalism, and structural damage. Ongoing costs to secure and maintain the building (including fences, patrols, emergency call-outs) are no longer sustainable.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: "This project is about safety, responsibility and creating a better future for our community."
"The building at 2 Havilah Place has been empty and deteriorating since 2019. It now poses a safety risk, incurs ongoing costs, and is no longer fit for purpose."
Demolition is likely to begin in late August and is expected to take around 10 weeks.
"We're working closely with residents of Blue Haven Terralong and will keep them informed every step of the way. Their wellbeing and peace of mind are incredibly important to us," Cr McDonald said.
Once the demolition has occurred, Council can proceed to subdivide the site from the remainder of the Blue Haven Terralong lot, which will help fulfil part of its NSW Government imposed Performance Improvement Order.
The subdivision plans will also ensure that the land on which the Kiama Community Garden sits can be rezoned and be preserved for community use.
"We're committed to preserving the Kiama Community Garden and to making this area the best it can be for our Blue Haven residents and the local community," Cr McDonald said.
At present, the entire Blue Haven Terralong development, ex nursing home and community garden sit on a single lot and the subdivision cannot proceed it until 2 Havilah Place is demolished.
"By removing this structure, we're eliminating a hazard and giving the site a chance to be something more, whether that's open space, new housing, or another community benefit in the future."
"This is a positive and necessary step forward," Cr McDonald said.
