McCall Gardens: Asbestos found at site of approved ‘community hub’

The discovery of bonded asbestos has pushed back the construction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme provider’s “community hub” in Sydney’s northwest.

An artist's impression of the approved community hub. Picture: Hills Shire Council

The discovery of bonded asbestos has pushed back the construction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme provider’s “community hub” in Sydney’s northwest.

Registered charity McCall Gardens first lodged a development application to build the facility at 10-32 Terry Rd, Box Hill, in 2017.

While plans for the estate, which includes the heritage-listed Box Hill House, have been approved, construction has hit several snags because of multiple redesigns, layout revisions and now the discovery of bonded asbestos in the soil.

Documents lodged as part of an application to modify the conditions of development approval have revealed multiple discoveries, with the most recent occurring on November 6.

“Further investigations by JBS & G in 2024 found additional asbestos-contaminated soil, mainly in bonded form, particularly in the northern and western areas,” documents lodged with Hills Shire Council by Ethos Urban, on behalf of the McCall Gardens Community Hub, state.

An aerial view of the approved site (highlighted in red). Picture: Hills Shire Council

“Bonded asbestos fragments were identified in soil layers at different levels, with higher concentrations in the northern, northwestern, and western parts of the site.”

Friable asbestos, in the form of asbestos fines and fibrous asbestos which “exceeded safety levels”, was also uncovered.

The heritage-listed Nelson House. Picture: Hills Shire Council

The modification application shows a plan has been drawn up to safely remove and manage the asbestos in accordance with established guidelines.

It also addressed other proposed design changes, including the relocation of rooms and a reduction in the number of trees requiring removal.

The facility aims to continue providing services to those with a disability, their carers and support network in the local community.

McCall Gardens, which is a listed NDIS service provider, has been around since the 1950s, when parents of handicapped children came together to establish a place for their kids to live.

The heritage-listed Box Hill House. Picture: Hills Shire Council

The development site currently contains the heritage-listed Box Hill House and Nelson Hall, as well as Ross House, a daycare centre, a swimming pool and various other structures, including sheds and a flag pole.

The latest approved development application states the required work includes alterations and additions to Ross House, a cafe, changes to Box Hill House, a sensory garden, construction of a road and 136 car spaces for vehicles.

The latest revisions to the designs and layout have raised the capital investment value from $23.6m $26.6m.