December 1 - 31, 2024: Issue 637

 

Retirement Villages owner Aveo to Develop Manly Hospital site

Artist impression of an initial concept of the Manly health and wellbeing precinct.

Tuesday December 17/Wednesday December 18, 2024

The NSW Stater Government states that following a competitive Expression of Interest and request for detailed proposal process, Aveo has been nominated as the exclusive preferred partner to deliver the community’s vision for a vibrant health and wellbeing sanctuary.


Subject to planning approval, it is envisioned that the precinct will offer:

  • seniors housing, including independent retirement living and affordable housing 
  • a residential aged care facility
  • public open spaces
  • a health and wellbeing centre
  • community and retail spaces, and
  • a childcare centre. 

Member for Manly, James Griffin has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that after an Expression of Interest and tender campaign launched in 2021, Aveo Group has been named the preferred partner to deliver the community vision for the former Manly Hospital site.    

Member for Manly, James Griffin stated the redevelopment of the site, including the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings, a health and wellbeing centre, public open space, independent and seniors living, has been informed by community consultation as far back as 2019. In late 2020, further community engagement was undertaken to identify the guiding principles of the site which include:

  • The community will have continued access to the site for social or recreation activities and use of public or private services.
  • The rainforest area will be permanently reserved.
  • The services developed on the site will contribute to the health, wellbeing and care of the community.
  • The services provided from the site’s uses will address a defined community need for which there are tangible and ongoing benefits.
  • A diverse range of services and partnerships will be pursued which leverage the greatest collective value for the community.
  • The services and infrastructure proposals for the site must demonstrate financial sustainability.

Importantly, the site will remain in government ownership, ensuring the land is protected in perpetuity, the Member for Manly stated in a release.

“There was a real prospect that this site would be sold off. I am delighted that the government has identified a partner to help bring to life the long-held vision of the community and I look forward to it being delivered in full by Aveo,” Mr Griffin said. 

“The next chapter of the former Manly Hospital site will in many respects be a continuation of the health services provided on the site for over a century. The creation of public open spaces, alongside various health and wellbeing services will breathe new life into this historic space.” Mr Griffin said.   

“Now that the nation leading Hospice has been built, it is time to get on with the rest of the site and provide a wholistic sanctuary for people to visit and enjoy. The site can’t be left to decay and remain locked up forever. There is a fantastic concept masterplan for the site and the announcement brings it one step closer. I look forward to the community engagement and collaboration with residents which will take place in 2025.” Mr Griffin further stated.     

“I look forward to making sure the views of the community are front and centre as this project progresses.”

Planning proposal

In August 2023, the State Government Department, Property and Development NSW, submitted an amended planning proposal with Northern Beaches Council to expand the range of health, wellbeing and related uses permitted on the site under its existing Special Purposes 2 (SP2) zoning. 

In early 2024, the council referred the amended planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for review and assessment. A gateway determination was issued in May 2024.

However, a site rezoning is no longer needed as the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) permits seniors housing under the existing SP2 zoning.

Next steps

Aveo will work with the Government and the community to prepare a concept state-significant development application (SSDA) which will set out proposed plans for the site.  

This will include draft building scale and heights that respect the site’s heritage and ecology, including the preservation of rainforest areas. 

As the first step in the SSDA process, Aveo will submit a scoping report as part of its request for the Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements (SEARs).  

The Government, with Aveo, will continue to collaborate with the community and Northern Beaches Council throughout the planning processes to create a legacy precinct that will benefit current and future generations.  

The community will have the chance to provide feedback during Aveo’s preparation of the development application. 

Further information on the project can be found here: 

www.nsw.gov.au/property-and-development-nsw/manly-health-and-wellbeing-precinct