A massive seniors housing development featuring six towers ranging from six to 14 storeys high has been proposed for Skyline Place, located between Northern Beaches Hospital and the Forest Hotel.
Platino Properties has submitted a $190 million State Significant Development (SSD) Application with NSW Planning for seniors housing and a residential care facility. This DA is for Stage 1. The total development has an estimated cost of $343 million and will include 350 independent living units across six multi-storey buildings at 1 and 3 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest.
The plans are an extension of ‘Jardin’ at 5 (to be completed in 2026) and 7 (completed in 2023) Skyline Place, which incorporates four buildings of residential apartments for over 55s with a vision for a ‘health-focused urban renewal of the locality with high quality, sustainable and supportive housing and facilities for seniors’.
“The precinct has been designed to support residents as their needs change, from independent living through to higher care options, all within the same connected community,” George Revay, CEO Platino Properties told Manly Observer.
“The proposal will help meet the growing demand for high-quality seniors housing and aged care services on the Northern Beaches.”
As part of the plans, there will be six buildings. Across three buildings ranging between six to eight storeys, 1 Skyline Place will include 149 independent living apartments. Across an additional three buildings ranging between 6 to 14 storeys, 3 Skyline Place will have 200 independent living apartments and a 20-bed residential aged care facility which will care to existing residents at 1, 3, 5 and 7 Skyline Place.
Basement car parking will include 326 car parking space, with provision for bus parking on the sites and pedestrian pathways. One third of the site is proposed as landscaped area and communal spaces are part of the designs.
“The future precinct offers a wide range of shared spaces and amenities, including landscaped courtyards, community garden, café, pickleball court and rooftop terraces, so residents can stay active, social and feel supported as they age,” Mr Revay added.
Five per cent of the apartments will be allocated as affordable senior housing. Per the realestate.com.au listing, apartments at neighbouring building, 5 Skyline Place, are advertised between $1.8 and $2.5 million.
Stage 1 will include works at 3 Skyline Place and will include site preparation; construction of buildings A (eight storeys), B (eight storeys) and C (part six and part 14 storeys); 200 independent living units; a residential care facility in buildings B and C; open space; ground level employment generating floor space in buildings A and B; landscaping; and, car parking. If the DA is approved, construction is forecasted to begin in 2028.
Multi-storey and senior housing: how does that work?
The apartments are marketed as senior housing, however, the buildings range from six to 14 stories – should the power go out, or in the event of an emergency evacuation, how would senior members of the community manage that number of stairs?
“Safety and accessibility have been central to the design of the proposal,” Mr Revay explained
“All buildings will meet strict compliance with Australian building codes, including accessibility and fire safety standards relevant to seniors living and residential aged care.
“In the event of a power outage, lifts will be supported by a backup power system to ensure continued operation for residents who are unable to use stairs.
“Wide, accessible corridors and compliant emergency systems – including fire detection, alarms, and clearly marked evacuation routes – will be standard throughout the development.”
Mr Revay added the aged care facility is located on the ground floor and is purpose-designed for residents with higher care needs. Trained staff will be on-site 24/7 to assist in the event of an emergency, including evacuation if required.
“The independent living apartments are intended for residents who are able to live independently,” Mr Revay said.
“A wide range of housing options are included in our proposal – from Ground Floor courtyard homes to upper-level penthouses, allowing individuals to choose a residence that suits their lifestyle, mobility, and future needs.”
Landscaping and traffic concerns
In the engagement report, community members highlighted concerns around open spaces and increased traffic and pedestrian safety. Mr Revay told us Paltino Properties has taken the community feedback on board.
“The design for 1 and 3 Skyline Place retains around half of the existing trees on the site and proposes significant new tree plantings to increase the canopy cover planted across, including native species, to support local biodiversity,” he said.
“[The landscaped area includes] a central park and safe pedestrian pathways.”
He also said the net increase in overall traffic will be minimal.
“We’ve also planned internal roads and traffic management measures to reduce congestion and ensure easy and safe pedestrian access for residents and visitors.”
As part of the development for 5 Skyline Place, a pedestrian crossing on Skyline Place will shortly be constructed to improve pedestrian safety.
The DA is currently on exhibition until 9 July 2025 which you can view here.
Check out what else is going on development-wise on the Beaches:
Wesley Gardens Belrose to get a $200 million seniors’ community upgrade
