Major Seniors Housing Project Planned for Greenwich

CE Greenwich No 2 Pty Ltd has submitted a development application to Lane Cove Council for the redevelopment of 126, 130-134 Pacific Highway and Anglo Road, Greenwich. The application, lodged on 22 January 2025, outlines plans for the construction of a seniors living complex, with an estimated cost of more than $80 million.

Overview of the Proposed Development

The proposal includes the demolition of existing commercial buildings on the site and the construction of two eight-storey buildings for the purpose of shop-top housing. These buildings are intended to accommodate seniors living apartments and include ground-floor commercial spaces. The specifics of the development are as follows:

  • Independent Living Units (ILUs): A total of 59 ILUs will be distributed across two buildings. Building 1 will include 27 ILUs, while Building 2 will contain 32 ILUs. The units will offer a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.
  • Communal open space: The development provides approximately 1,005.9 square metres of communal open space, including landscaped rooftop areas with amenities such as plunge pools.
  • Parking: Three basement levels will provide 105 car spaces, including accessible and visitor parking spaces.
  • Commercial spaces: Building 1 will feature an 89.3 sqm café/restaurant, while Building 2 will include an 84.9 sqm office space.
  • Public domain upgrades: Proposed improvements to Anglo Road include vehicle drop-off areas, widened pathways, and landscaping to enhance accessibility and pedestrian safety.

The total site area is 3,468 square metres. However, the portion of Anglo Road that is part of the site is excluded from floor space ratio calculations, resulting in a calculation area of 2,459.4 square metres.

Artist impression by Marchese Partners

Zoning and Compliance

The site is located in an E2 Commercial Centre zone under the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009 (LCLEP). In this zoning, seniors housing is ordinarily prohibited. However, under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, seniors housing is permitted with consent in this zone.

The proposal seeks a variation to the maximum height limit. While SEPP (Housing) allows a height of up to 28.8 metres, the development proposes a maximum height of 32.3 metres. This variation is due primarily to non-habitable roof structures. Additional variations include a shortfall in deep soil and landscaped areas; however, compensatory measures include rooftop communal spaces and public domain works.

Transport and Accessibility

The site benefits from its proximity to several key public transport links and services, including:

  • St Leonards train station: Located approximately 600 metres from the site.
  • Crows Nest Metro Station: Approximately 1 kilometre from the site.
  • Bus routes along Pacific Highway: Frequent services connecting the area to key destinations such as Chatswood, Manly, and the Sydney CBD.

Vehicular access to the site will be provided via Anglo Road. The development incorporates drop-off zones for residents and visitors. Traffic impact is expected to be minimal, as outlined in the Traffic Impact Assessment submitted with the application.

Environmental and Design Features

The development includes various features designed to address environmental and sustainability considerations. These features include:

  • Rooftop solar panels: Solar photovoltaic systems will be installed to support energy efficiency and reduce reliance on external power sources.
  • Natural ventilation: A majority of the apartments will benefit from high levels of natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.
  • Stormwater management: A detailed stormwater management plan has been prepared to ensure proper drainage and water reuse where feasible.
  • Public domain landscaping: The proposal includes enhanced landscaping on Anglo Road and the site’s frontage, with plantings that complement the urban character of the area.

Public Domain and Community Context

The site is located at the western extent of the Lane Cove local government area, adjacent to the St Leonards South Precinct. It lies within an area of mixed commercial and residential use, with a transition to low-density housing in surrounding streets. Key facilities near the site include:

  • Royal North Shore Hospital: Located within 600 metres.
  • St Leonards Health and Education Precinct: A hub for health and education services.
  • Shops and services: Retail and commercial offerings are available within walking distance along the Pacific Highway.

The proposed development aligns with strategic planning objectives for the St Leonards and Crows Nest area, which aim to enhance the urban environment with new housing, mixed-use developments, and improved public spaces.

Project Team

The project is supported by the following consultants:

  • Urban Planner: Planning & Co
  • Architect: Marchese Partners
  • Traffic Consultant: Varga Traffic Consulting
  • Landscape Architect: Arcadia
  • Geotechnical Consultant: EI Australia
  • Waste Consultant: Elephants Foot Consulting
  • Environmental Manager (Construction Phase): Central Element
  • Heritage Consultant: Heritage 21
  • Acoustic Consultant: Acoustic Logic
  • Sustainability Consultant: E-LAB Consulting
  • BCA Compliance Consultant: New Crown Consulting

Application Details

For further information about this proposed development, search application number DA154/2024 on the Lane Cove Council’s website.

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