Plans for Opal Carlingford aged care home at Marsden Rd revealed

A popular nursery in Sydney’s northwest will make way for a $45 million aged care facility with luxe features including a swimming pool, gym, sauna and cafe.

Plans for a $45 million aged care, 160-bed aged care facility have been revealed for the Swane’s Nursery site at Carlingford, a project that has been labelled too dense and intense despite the demand for centres to look after the ageing population.

The site at 235-237 Marsden Rd is where Swane’s nursery has operated for several decades and was earmarked to be developed into a 48-townhouse medium-density development last year. But subject to approval, it could become the Opal Carlingford Residential Aged Care Home with a swimming pool, gym, sauna, games room, TV room, a cafe for residents and visitors and 46-spot carpark for the 148-unit, two-storey facility.

There will be 142 high-care beds and 18 beds for residents with dementia at the 48-staff centre.

The original proposal for townhouses drew criticism from Parramatta councillor Lorraine Wearne who said the site would be too overdeveloped.

What it could look like ... artist's impression of Opal Carlingford Residential Aged Care facility.

Cr Wearne did not object to the aged care proposal but called for more green space for residents.

“I think it’s a little too dense, they should have dropped 20 beds,’’ she said.

“On the face of it, it’s a community use. A lot of people say there’s a great need for this use. We’re an ageing population.’’

Initially concerned about extra traffic on the “very dangerous” Marsden Rd, Cr Wearne said the facility would generate minimal cars from visitors but feared high staff turnover could create extra movements.

A traffic study with the development application said just two visitors were due to visit the centre each hour during peak periods so the facility would have a minor impact on Marsden Rd.

Transport for NSW data showed there were 3084 traffic movements at Marsden Rd in morning and afternoon peaks on a daily average.

There will only be a left turn entry and exit into the centre, which Cr Wearne welcomed.

Swane's Nursery at Carlingford. Picture: Google Maps

“It is apparent therefore that the proposed development will not have any adverse traffic implications on the surrounding road network particularly when regard is given to the existing nursery use with unconstrained vehicle access provisions,’’ the report said.

However, it is a sad day for green thumbs who have visited Swane’s for decades and some who started buying plants there when it was known as Catt’s Nursery.

CoreLogic data said Gaiset owns the site after purchasing it in June 1986.

Through the decades, it has been a Carlingford mainstay.

“It’s quite well used,’’ Cr Wearne said.

“There’s no other nursery close by so there will be a gap in the market for nurseries.

“They walk in, buy their plants and walk away.

“This (aged care home) will be quite intrusive use compared to what’s there now. There’s no question it will be more intensive.’’

Opal was contacted for comment.

The development application has been lodged with Parramatta Council but will be determined by the state planning panel.

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