Uniting Wesley Gardens: $194m transformation of Belrose senior housing facility revealed

A major $194m transformation is on the cards for an ageing senior housing facility on the northern beaches that opened its doors in the 70s. Here are the plans.

$194m refurb on the cards for ageing senior housing facility in northern beaches. Picture: Plus Architecture

A massive $194m refurb has been revealed for a northern beaches aged care facility that opened nearly 60 years ago, with planning documents stating a major overhaul is essential to “meet today’s standard of care”.

Plans for a complete transformation of Uniting Wesley Gardens at 2B Morgan Rd, Belrose, include a name change to ‘Uniting Belrose’ and the construction of six new buildings ranging from three to five storeys across the 48,400sq m site.

Owned and operated by Uniting NSW.ACT, the revamped seniors community - classified as a state significant development - will deliver up to 147 independent living units and 120 residential care beds.

It will also have a suite of lifestyle and health amenities including a seniors gym, swimming pool, cafe, salon, wellness spaces, recreation areas and a Men’s Shed.

A planner said the proposal tapped into the facility’s “unrealised potential” by providing modern housing options for seniors to “age in place and receive appropriate level of care without having to relocate”.

The revamped seniors community will deliver up to 147 independent living units, 120 residential care beds, and a suite of lifestyle and health amenities. Picture: Plus Architecture

Plans for the upgraded facility include a new seniors gym, swimming pool, cafe, salon, wellness spaces, recreation areas, and a Men’s Shed. Picture: Plus Architecture

The proposal aims to tap into the site’s “unrealised potential” by providing modern housing options for seniors to “age in place” without having to relocate. Picture: Plus Architecture

“The proposal will deliver a high-quality seniors housing development that will create diversity of housing types for seniors within the Northern Beaches LGA, by providing a new seniors housing development within an accessible location, with good transport connection and services,” the planner stated.

The retirement village is within walking distance of several bus stops including one directly opposite the facility on Forest Way. It is also located near local shops and other senior communities such as Glenaeon Retirement Village and Calvary Corymbia Aged Care.

While the multimillion-dollar development is expected to create 238 jobs during construction, the number of staff hired at the facility post-completion will be reduced to 109. Picture: Plus Architecture

While the multimillion-dollar development is expected to stimulate the local economy and create 238 jobs during construction, the number of staff employed post-completion will be reduced to 109 due to the overall reduction in residential care beds and introduction of independent living units.

Existing residents will be relocated during construction, and may be impacted by noise, vibration, dust and traffic as a result of the works.

However, a planner noted that these concerns could be “effectively mitigated” and stated that “engaging with the local community and stakeholders during the construction phase will be critical in minimising disruptions”.

Uniting NSW.ACT’s state significant development proposal is on exhibition and open to public feedback.