State government buys Silky Oaks Children’s Haven in Manly West

A children’s and families support centre in Brisbane bayside that has been run by a non-profit group for almost 80 years has been snapped up by the state government.

The Silky Oaks Children's Haven at 218 Manly Rd in Manly West.

A children’s and families support centre in Brisbane’s bayside, that has been owned and occupied by a not-for-profit organisation for the past 79 years, has been purchased by the state government.

The 2.5ha site at 218 Manly Rd in Manly West was sold following a competitive expressions of interest campaign run by Knight Frank agents Christian Sandstrom and Sam Biggins, on behalf of Silky Oaks Children’s Haven. They refused to comment on the sale price.

Silky Oaks Children’s Home was founded by the Open Brethren and first opened in Toowong, in 1940 and six years later was relocated to Manly West.

Now named Silky Oaks Children’s Haven it delivers child safety related services for children and teens; housing and homelessness support for individuals and families; and is also occupied by a 57-place early learning centre, an opportunity shop and a general practice medical facility.

The majority of the services on the site will be relocated, with the exception of the early learning centre, which will remain on the property under the control of Silky Oaks until closure later in 2025.

Comprised of three allotments, the site is next to Manly West State School which it shares a 245m boundary. Part of it is currently zoned low density residential, while the early learning centre is zoned CF4 community facilities.

Knight Frank; s Sam Biggins and Christian Sandstrom at the Silky Oaks Children's Haven. Picture: Annette Dew

Industry sources say the government would have paid about $25m for the site.

Mr Biggins said the campaign was highly competitive, with local and interstate purchasers expressing interest.

“There were 19 bids during three rounds of bidding, including several cash unconditional bids. Given the development potential of the site we had strong interest from developers looking at uses including residential, aged care, childcare and health care,” he said.

“The site is ideally suited to medium-rise projects and will likely be redeveloped in time by the Queensland Government.”

Mr Sandstrom said the Manly West property was in a prime location for numerous development options.

“It is close to plenty of amenity including parkland and the Manly West State School,” he said. “Buyer appetite for well-located development sites in Brisbane is strong and developer sentiment has improved further recently with the reduction in the cash rate.”