More red tape for transformation of community health centre into housing to help older woman at risk of homelessness

A three year push to transform an abandoned public health centre into affordable housing for financially struggling older woman is still tangled in red tape. See what’s happening now.

An artist's impression of the redevelopment of the former Queenscliff Community Health Centre at North Manly that was bought by Landcom to be transformed into 37 studio apartments and home units. At least 12 would be available to woman over 55 who are at risk of homelessness. Picture: Landcom

A controversial and much needed housing project to provide accommodation to cash poor older women and key workers on the northern beaches, is set to be delayed — again.

The $11m redevelopment of the former Queenscliff Community Health Centre — which closed in 2018 — had already been tangled in red tape when planning authorities called for a tsunami risk report.

It took close to three years before the NSW Government’s State North Planning Panel gave the 37-unit project, being provided by the government’s own developer, Landcom, the go-ahead.

Now, nine months later community accommodation provider, Link Wentworth Housing, which is in partnership with Landcom to provide the units, including 12 affordable studio units for women over 55 at risk of homelessness, is havng a new application to modify the original DA, examined by planners.

Another 13 units would be set aside, at affordable rents, for key workers such as nurses, retail staff and teachers.

An artist’s impression of the future of the disused Queenscliff Community Health Centre with plans to turn into a unit development with affordable housing. Picture: Landcom

It comes after Planning Minister Paul Scully highlighted the Link project, on Pittwater Rd at North Manly, as an example of how the state’s planning system had been slowed by red tape.

Mr Scully said he was frustrated that the planning panel had asked for extra information, like a tsunami report, was getting in the way of critical housing.

“Last year I wrote to Planning Panel chairs saying I want them to consider the context of the housing crisis in their deliberations and prioritise housing to make sure we keep the delivery pipeline moving across NSW,” Mr Scully said.

Landcom bought the former Queenscliff Community Health Centre in October 2020, and work to transform it into housing is yet to begin. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

The former Queenscliff Community Health Centre at North Manly has been empty for six years. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Blue security fencing still surrounds the abandoned site — Landcom bought the site from the NSW Health Ministry in October 2020 — as the planning panel examines the new application to modify the DA.

The proposed changes include the installing of pieces of electrical and water infrastructure, more plant on the roof and the redesign of two units.

An application to modify the approved development application for the redevelopment is being examined by panning officials. Picture: Landcom

Neighbouring residents have constantly lobbied for the three-storey development to be knocked back because they feared it was at risk of flooding; would create too much traffic; be too noisy and; not have enough parking.

In a recent letter to locals Landcom’s development director, Kemal Hughes, advised that Northern Beaches Council would notify adjoining property owners to “enable review and comment on the proposed amendments”.

“Since our last update in December 2023, we have been co-ordinating works permits from authorities and are on track for the subdivision works to commence in mid-2024,” he wrote.