Uniting NSW.ACT is investing $200 million into upgrading Wesley Gardens Belrose from a residential aged care facility into an integrated seniors’ community with a focus on independent living.
“This is about future-proofing the way we care for older Australians,” Simon Furness, Director of Property and Housing at Uniting, told Manly Observer.
“It’s not just a property upgrade – it’s a complete reimagining of the senior living experience at Belrose.”
Mr Furness explained research, government policy shifts and the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care highlighted the need for more flexible and person-centred models of care.
“People want to remain independent for longer and age in place in a setting that feels like home,” he continued.
“The redevelopment will create a modern, purpose-built environment that combines independent living apartments, a new residential aged care home, and community services.
“It will allow residents to remain in the one location while their support or care needs evolve.”
Mr Furness added the current physical buildings have not kept pace with evolving expectations. In addition, the infrastructure is outdated and nearing the end of its functional lifespan.
A seniors’ community
Currently, Wesley Gardens provides only residential aged care. The new development will include:
- 147 independent living apartments in a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom layouts.
- A new 120-place residential aged care home with specific areas for those living with dementia.
- Health and wellbeing facilities, like a gym, hairdressing salon, clubhouse, community pool, cinema, café, multipurpose spaces, chapel and landscaped gardens.
- A Men’s Shed (which is already there) will remain but find a new home on the property.
- Integrated outdoor areas for recreation, respite and social connection, including dementia gardens, rooftop courtyards and walking paths.
The redevelopment will be funded by Uniting’s capital development plan.
“This investment will ensure that the site can continue to serve the Northern Beaches community for decades to come, with a high-quality built environment that meets expectations for seniors living and the support or care services they may require,” Mr Furness told us.
A State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (due to the size of the capital investment). The SSDA is on exhibition until Wednesday, 4 June 2025 for community members to have their say on the development. The Department of Planning expects a determination in late 2025.
If everything goes smoothly, construction will start (at the earliest) late 2026 and will be completed in two main stages.
“This allows services to continue operating safely and effectively during the build,” Mr Furness said.
“Each stage is expected to take around two years, depending on builder schedules, weather, and other variables.
“We’re looking at project completion around 2030. This phased approach ensures that we can maintain continuity of care and community connection throughout the redevelopment process.”
What the community thinks
Uniting NSW.ACT ran a consultation with current residents and their families, staff, volunteers, the early learning centre, church community, neighbours, local community groups, Council and government officials.
“There was a strong endorsement for the need to modernise the site, and appreciation for the sensitive design approach – particularly that new buildings would be constructed within the already-developed footprint of the site, minimising intrusion into bushland or the removal of high-value trees,” Mr Furness explained.
Three main concerns were raised during the consultations: bushfire risk, affordability and what happens to the current residents during construction.
Mr Furness said the site is in a bushfire-prone area and they engaged experts to ensure that landscaping and tree retention strategies met bushfire safety requirements.
“As for affordability, there will be a range of housing types and price points to support choice and accessibility,” he explained.
“In residential aged care, a proportion of places will be reserved for concessional or supported residents.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive community where seniors from all backgrounds can access high-quality care and accommodation.”
As for current residents, the staged development will minimise disruption to them and those who stay through to the competition of the project will move into the new homes with no change to their existing payment arrangements.
New resident admissions will be paused during construction and will remain in place until occupancy levels match the available capacity during each stage of the build.
Uniting NSW.ACT has provided aged care services in the Northern Beaches for almost 50 years.
