Manly Hospital: Next step in future of abandoned site on North Head

The next step in the transformation of an abandoned Sydney public hospital into a ‘health and wellness sanctuary’ has been made. See what’s planned for the spectacular site.

An artist's impression of what the revamped former Manly Hospital site, nestled in bushland on North Head and on the edge of Sydney Harbour National Park, would look like when transformed into a health and wellness precinct. Picture: Supplied

The public is set to have a final say in the transformation of the abandoned 100-year-old Manly Public Hospital into a health and wellness “sanctuary”.

A planning proposal, lodged with authorities four year ago, to change the zoning to allow facilities such as a dementia care centre, preventive mental health services and seniors housing will soon go on exhibition.

And as part of the proposal, much of the five-hecatre North Head site, owned by the State Government, would become public open space with picnic areas and eateries.

There would also be access to the neighbouring Sydney Harbour National Park — including a section of rainforest — and Collins Flat Beach.

In November 2020, the government’s Property and Development NSW agency lodged its proposed rezoning of the hospital site, which closed in October 2018, with Northern Beaches Council.

An artist's impression of what the revamped former Manly Hospital site will look like when transformed into a health hub that may include seniors housing and a dementia facility. Picture: Supplied

In February 2024, the council referred an amended planning proposal to allow the creation of the Manly Health and Wellness Precinct, to the government’s Planning Department for assessment.

Now the department has issued a “gateway determination”, which allows the planning proposal to proceed to public exhibition.

It is understood that it should go out for submissions in the last quarter of the year.

State Liberal MP for Manly, James Griffin, who has been leading a community push to have the site on Darley Rd transformed into what has been described as a “health and wellness sanctuary”, said this was a massive stop towards finalising the project.

An artist's impression of the proposed revamped former Manly Hospital site. Picture: Supplied

The proposed new uses also include a group home, community facilities, an indoor recreational facility, a neighbourhood shop and a function centre.

It could also accommodate a childcare centre as well as studios for yoga and pilates.

An eight-bed palliative care unit for young adults next to the site, which opened early last year, would be integrated into the proposal.

Manly Hospital in 1969. Picture: Supplied.

Part of the Manly Hospital site, left vacant in late 2018. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

About 30 per cent of the current hospital was considered of heritage value and would be retained and renovated.

The current zoning of the site limits its use to a “health services facility” only.

Mr Griffin said the rezoning meant that the land would remain in public ownership and the services and facilities provided by public and private lessees.

He pointed out that the public exhibition of the plans would come 100 years after the Manly Hospital Act to “sanction the construction of a public hospital at Manly” was passed by parliament.

“I want it to proceed as quickly as possible,” he said.

The young adult hospice, which began operating in February 2023, on the old Manly Hospital site. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“It’s obviously time for the next chapter in the site’s history.

“We’ve demonstrated our ability to deliver on our word when it came to the adult’s hospice. “Now the next part of it is the hospital site.

“With the symbolism of the Act allowing its construction in 1924, we should try and bring in a good close to the century of the site by having the next part ready this year.”