Amidst concerns from residents and the local council, developers confirmed that they are still pushing forward with their plans to transform the former Queenscliff Community Health Centre into affordable housing for older women and key workers.
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The $11 million project, spearheaded by Landcom, the state government’s property development arm, aims to transform the abandoned facility into a housing development catering to cash-poor older women and key workers. Despite claims that the project is on hold, developers have firmly stated that it is still progressing.
Opened in 1971, the facility has remained dormant after it closed in 2018 with the opening of the new Brookvale Community Health Centre. However, Landcom has confirmed that its proposal to create 31 studio apartments, four (4) one-bedroom units, and two (2) two-bedroom units is still underway. Two development applications have been submitted to the Sydney North Planning Panel, with dates for review yet to be determined.
Landcom, in collaboration with community housing provider Link Wentworth, aims to allocate at least two-thirds of the units to financially vulnerable women aged over 55 who are at risk of homelessness. Grant applications may further increase the availability of affordable housing options.
The remaining units will be reserved for key workers, such as nurses, retail staff, and teachers, who struggle to afford the local rental prices.
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Local residents in the area have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the development. Worries about increased traffic, noise, and compatibility with the neighbourhood’s quiet character have prompted some to oppose the three-story project. The Northern Beaches Council supports the subdivision application but opposes the residential aspect due to concerns about flooding from nearby Manly Lagoon.
Recent developments indicate progress in the project. The subdivision application has been referred to the Sydney Planning Panel North by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel. Whilst the timeline for assessment remains uncertain, Landcom is actively collaborating with the council to explore opportunities for affordable housing.
Published 15-May-2023