Healthcare giant Japara pushes forward with aged-care development plan

ARTIST IMPRESSIONS: Japara Healthcare has amended plans for a major aged-care development in Sydney’s northern beaches after its original $26.5 million proposal was rejected. Details have emerged of what’s included in the latest proposal.

Japara's new design plans for the Belrose site.

• Six-storey seniors living units, pool planned for RSL Lifecare
• Calls for minister to discuss boarding house fears

AGED-CARE giant Japara Healthcare has amended plans for a centre in Belrose to reduce the amount of beds and visual impact following a rejection of its original proposal.

A 2017 artist impression of the Japara aged-care centre from Childs Circuit Belrose

In May last year the ASX-listed company put forward a 120-bed, $26.5 million proposal with a main entrance on Forest Way but its height, bulk and scale upset neighbours. The plans were rejected by the Sydney North Planning Panel and, as part of Land Environment Court proceedings, a 104-bed facility has been proposed.

2017 plans for a Japara aged-care centre in Belrose

It would also increase the setback from Childs Circuit by 14m.

Japara declined to provide any comment on the application as it was before the Land Environment Court.

A 2017 artists impression of the Japara aged-care centre from Childs Circuit Belrose.

No detailed plans were lodged on the Northern Beaches Council’s website but a list of changes put forward on April 20 highlights deeper courtyards and a reduction in building height by 600mm.

The council’s acting planning general manager Melissa Messina said: “The amended plans are currently being assessed, including the height of the building.”