Uniting Wesley Gardens Archives

A $200 million redevelopment of the Uniting Wesley Gardens seniors housing precinct in Belrose has been approved under the State Significant Development process, paving the way for new independent living apartments, aged care beds and expanded on-site community facilities.

Housing Redevelopment Approved

The redevelopment of the Uniting Wesley Gardens seniors housing precinct in Belrose has been approved, clearing the way for a staged transformation of the long-running site.

The project was determined as approved on 5 February 2026 under State Significant Development application SSD-71378958, covering a 4.84-hectare property on Morgan Road in Belrose.

Long-Established Belrose Site

Uniting Wesley Gardens has operated in Belrose since the 1970s and currently provides retirement and residential aged care services. The approved redevelopment will modernise the precinct while retaining key community uses already located on the site.

The Forest Preschool and the Belrose Uniting Church are set to remain.

What The Belrose Seniors Housing Plan Includes

The approval allows for six buildings of up to five storeys. Reporting on the project describes a mix of independent living and residential care accommodation, including 147 independent living apartments and 120 residential aged care places, with dementia support.

The planning portal summary for the same application lists 140 independent living units and 120 residential care facility beds, indicating a variation in the publicly available figures that will require clarification in detailed project documentation.

Planned shared amenities include a swimming pool, café, gym, library, cinema, hairdressing salon, clubhouse, Men’s Shed and chapel. Landscaped elements are to feature two outdoor recreation areas, a forest walk, rooftop courtyards, outdoor rooms and a yarning circle. A suite of medical and allied health consulting rooms is also proposed.

Northern Beaches development — *Photo Credit: SSD-71378958*

Assessment And Community Issues

During assessment, the local authorities raised concerns relating to height, bulk and scale, urban design, parking, stormwater and amenity impacts. The proposal nonetheless received approval following review.

seniors housing redevelopment — *Photo Credit: SSD-71378958*

Jobs And Next Steps

Construction is expected to create around 230 jobs, with about 100 ongoing roles once operational. Works will be staged, with existing residents supported during the construction period.

Detailed design is progressing, with tender documentation anticipated later in 2026. The Belrose seniors housing redevelopment represents a significant renewal of one of the area’s longest-operating seniors living communities.

Published 12-Feb-2026

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.

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

Tag: Uniting Wesley Gardens

$200m Belrose Seniors Housing Redevelopment Approved