Northern Beaches Archives

Major Upgrade Planned for Wesley Gardens Aged Care Site in Belrose

A $194-million redevelopment proposal has been submitted for Uniting Wesley Gardens in Belrose, aiming to replace outdated aged care buildings with a new seniors housing precinct.

Background and Context

Uniting (NSW.ACT) has lodged a development application to overhaul its aged care facility at 2B Morgan Road. The site spans 4.84 hectares and contains aged care buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1990s, along with an early learning facility, a house, and the Belrose Uniting Church—all of which are set to remain. The project qualifies as a State Significant Development and is publicly exhibited on the NSW Planning Portal between 8 May and 4 June 2025.

Uniting Wesley Gardens — *Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958*

Redevelopment Scope

The transformation plans involve constructing six new buildings, ranging from three to five storeys, across the site. The project will deliver 267 new dwellings, including 147 independent living units and 120 residential aged care beds.

Beyond accommodation, the proposed development includes shared facilities like a wellness centre, café, salon, swimming pool, gym, Men’s Shed, and landscaped areas for recreation. The seniors gym will also be accessible to community members aged over 60.

Access to the site will continue from Morgan Road, with parking allocated for 128 residents and 30 visitors within the independent living section. An additional 12 spaces are planned for aged care residents, alongside 65 for staff.

The buildings have been designed to follow the site’s slope and integrate two central communal areas named the Passive Heart and Active Heart. These spaces will support resident interaction and link the housing with care facilities.

Belrose development — *Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958*

Planning and Design Compliance

The development complies with a site-wide floor space ratio of 0.58:1. Some building heights exceed the standard 8.5 metres, with a Clause 20 variation requested to allow these changes.

The proposal addresses the Seniors Housing Design Guide 2023 and the Apartment Design Guide, incorporating principles such as ventilation, natural light, accessibility, and deep soil planting. Sustainability features include solar panels, water-sensitive systems, and passive ventilation.

The design has undergone review by the State Design Review Panel, leading to updates in areas such as tree retention, materials, and pedestrian flow.

Construction and Operational Impacts

The project is forecast to generate 238 construction jobs. However, once operational, staffing will reduce to 109 due to the shift towards more independent living units and fewer high-care beds.

During the construction phase, existing residents will be relocated. The application identifies short-term disruptions, including traffic, dust, and noise, and outlines measures to manage these during construction. Engagement with local residents and stakeholders is expected to continue throughout the project.

Uniting Wesley Gardens development public consultation — *Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958*

Site Access and Surrounding Area

Located at the corner of Morgan Road and Forest Way, the site connects to nearby suburbs via several bus routes, including services to Chatswood, Warringah Mall, and the Sydney CBD.

Neighbouring the site are low-density residential properties and other senior living facilities, such as Glenaeon Retirement Village and Calvary Corymbia Aged Care.

Next Steps

The application remains on exhibition until 4 June 2025, allowing the public to provide feedback. Feedback on the proposal can be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal by referencing application number SSD-71378958. A final determination will be made by the NSW Minister for Planning.

MAKE A SUBMISSION

Published 24-May-2025

Community Divided Over $33m Restaurant Complex in Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: DA2024/1362

A proposed $33 million restaurant complex by the Boathouse Group in Terrey Hills has stirred community division, with locals split between supporting the development and raising concerns about noise and traffic impacts.

From Coastal Cafés to Rural Retreats

The Boathouse Group, a Sydney-based hospitality business with 12 outlets from the Central Coast to Wollongong, has submitted plans to develop a three-restaurant complex on a semi-rural property in Terrey Hills. The project, named “The Farmhouse, Terrey Hills”, would consist of three separate dining venues, each offering a unique experience.

The site, acquired by Isaac Property Developments for $9.8 million in 2022, spans 1.6 hectares on Myoora Road. The development is designed to include low-scale, farm-style pavilions with landscaped open spaces. Features would include three licensed restaurants, outdoor dining areas, a children’s play area, a stage, pergolas, and a large lawn, with over 8,300 new plants and 93 trees to enhance the setting.

Terrey Hills restaurant complex — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

The Vision: A Trio of Unique Dining Experiences

The proposed complex (DA2024/1362) would operate from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day, accommodating up to 794 patrons. A basement car park with 156 vehicle spaces is part of the design, addressing parking concerns raised by locals. Each restaurant would provide a distinct dining atmosphere:

Restaurant 1: Casual dining with a rural shed-style design.
Restaurant 2: Family-friendly, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, and a small stage for live music between midday and 10 p.m.
Restaurant 3: Fine dining with a covered outdoor seating area.

Belrose restaurant complex — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

Locals Speak Out: Support and Concerns

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. During a public exhibition period, 43 submissions were received: 22 in favour and 21 opposed. Supporters, including the Duffys Forest Residents Association, highlight the potential for local job creation. However, concerns include increased traffic, noise, and the potential for disruptions from events.

Paul Davenport, president of the Terrey Hills Progress Association, raised concerns about noise pollution from functions and traffic impacts, noting an anticipated increase of 135 vehicles per hour during peak times. While supportive of the economic potential, the association emphasised the need for noise management and improved traffic planning.

Boathouse Group — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

What’s Next for Terrey Hills?

The NBC has presented a briefing to the Sydney North Planning Panel, highlighting the divided community response. The panel will continue to assess the proposal, considering public feedback and potential impacts on local infrastructure.

Published 29-Mar-2025

$98-Million Private Hospital Brings Advanced Care to Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: Wyvern Private Hospital

A new $98-million private hospital is now open in Terrey Hills, delivering advanced medical and surgical care to Sydney’s northern beaches community.

Opening Marks a Major Milestone

Wyvern Private Hospital, located on Myoora Road in Terrey Hills, admitted its first patients on 2 December 2024, following nearly two years of construction. The facility, which features 85 beds, eight operating theatres, and specialised units, aims to address the growing healthcare needs of the region, particularly its ageing population. Full capacity is expected to be reached in 2025, with an operational ramp-up planned after the Christmas period.

The hospital has been under development by Australian Unity’s Healthcare Property Trust, which secured a 30-year lease with Wyvern Health to operate the facility. It is part of a $3.9 billion investment in healthcare infrastructure to support communities across New South Wales.

Wyvern Private Hospital Terrey Hills — *Photo Credit: Wyvern Private Hospital/Facebook*

World-Class Facilities in a Bushland Setting

The hospital will provide a wide range of services, including spinal surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic procedures, interventional cardiology, and pain management. Additional facilities include a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, radiology equipped with CT, MRI, and ultrasound, and rehabilitation services such as a hydrotherapy pool and gym.

Designed with patient comfort in mind, the hospital features floor-to-ceiling windows offering bushland views, a rooftop garden to reduce stress, and a café. The inclusion of a 148-space car park and 15 consulting suites ensures accessibility for patients and staff.

A Boost for Local Employment

The hospital is set to employ around 150 people, including 22 doctors and 69 nurses, when fully operational. While staff recruitment is ongoing, the facility has enough personnel to manage its initial intake of patients. Hospital CEO Carol Bryant expressed confidence in meeting the community’s healthcare needs, citing strong interest from local doctors in using the hospital’s facilities.

Australian Unity’s Chris Smith emphasised the long-term value of the hospital, noting its alignment with the area’s healthcare demands and its role in supporting investors through stable returns.

Meeting Northern Sydney’s Healthcare Needs

Wyvern Private Hospital addresses a pressing need for advanced healthcare in the northern beaches, particularly for older residents. Dr William Sears, Chair of Wyvern Health, stressed the importance of offering world-class care in a convenient, local setting. He said the hospital’s focus on delivering high-quality services extends to patients, staff, and the environment, with a commitment to enriching the surrounding community.

The facility’s combination of state-of-the-art equipment, specialised services, and a serene location makes it a significant addition to Sydney’s healthcare system.

Published 29-Nov-2024

New Wyatt Avenue Bike Park Opens in Belrose

The gates have opened to the long-awaited Wyatt Avenue bike park in Belrose, which is aimed at bikers of all ages, especially young kids who are looking at improving their biking skills.

The new bike park has different ranges for beginners who will need to train before they can try biking at the more complicated Bare Creek bike park or the rough ride at the Manly Dam.

The Wyatt Avenue bike park was designed with the guidance of parents, coaches and the biking advocacy group Trail Care. Thus, this facility is top-notch even for beginners with its trail loop, climb and decent section, technical features, and the bike launching area.

Visitors and companions may also enjoy the bike park because there is a view platform and picnic area with plenty of seating.

Published 22 February 2023