J & G Knowles and Associates Pty Ltd have lodged a proposal for the Huntlee Arcare Seniors Housing project as State Significant Development (SSD-49283708). The development is located at Triton Boulevard, North Rothbury (Lot 4150 DP1275574). The public exhibition period runs from 24 January 2025 to 21 February 2025, allowing the community to provide feedback through the Department of Planning website.
Overview of the Development
The proposed aged care facility will provide 96 beds for residents in a purpose-built, part one and part two-storey building. The design addresses the growing need for aged care services in the Cessnock area. Key features include:
- 96 private rooms designed to provide natural light and outdoor views.
- Communal spaces such as lounges, dining rooms, and a café with outdoor seating, which support resident interaction.
- Additional facilities such as a hair salon, allied health consulting rooms, and landscaped courtyards to enhance resident well-being.
- A basement level with 47 car parking spaces, delivery areas, and back-of-house facilities like kitchens, storage, and staff amenities.
- Landscaped courtyards integrated into the building design to encourage outdoor activity.
The design emphasises accessibility and sustainability while ensuring the building complements the surrounding area, including the adjacent Green Ridge Retirement Village.
Artist impression by Marchese Partners
State Design Review Panel Feedback
In February 2023, the State Design Review Panel (SDRP) reviewed the project’s initial design and provided several comments.
Strengths Identified
The panel praised the project’s engagement with the local Aboriginal community. Cultural elements, such as native plants, artwork, and storytelling, were included in the design. Additionally, the panel commended the goal to create a “non-institutional” environment, with good access to natural light, outdoor spaces, and safe pathways.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Building Design and Site Layout:
- The panel suggested reducing the building’s footprint to allow for greater landscaping and better setbacks.
- They advised making the building’s design more varied to avoid a monolithic appearance and better match the neighbourhood character.
- Room Orientation and Amenities:
- More rooms should face north or east to maximise solar access.
- External views should take precedence over internal courtyard views.
- Accessibility and Circulation:
- The SDRP recommended shortening corridors to enhance wayfinding and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
- Communal areas and courtyards should be easy to identify and access.
- Courtyards and Outdoor Spaces:
- Courtyards should balance privacy and accessibility while ensuring comfort year-round with appropriate shading and solar access.
The project team has incorporated many of these recommendations into the updated design.
Environmental and Community Impacts
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlines the potential impacts of the project and details measures to mitigate them.
Traffic and Parking
The proposal includes 47 parking spaces, which exceed regulatory requirements. The project also incorporates a Construction Traffic Management Plan to minimise disruptions caused by construction activities.
Noise and Vibration
Mitigation strategies will address temporary noise impacts from construction. The design includes shielding for mechanical equipment to reduce operational noise.
Biodiversity
No vegetation clearing is required since the site was already prepared during earlier stages of the Huntlee New Town project. Landscaping will feature native plant species to support the local environment.
Bushfire Protection
The design incorporates an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) and complies with Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 19 construction standards to ensure safety.
Key Features of the Proposal
- Sustainability: The development targets a 5-star Green Star Building rating, which includes passive solar design and climate-responsive materials.
- Landscaping: The site will feature native plant species to enhance biodiversity and provide a sense of connection with the surrounding environment.
- Accessibility: All areas of the facility comply with accessibility standards, ensuring safe and easy movement for residents and visitors.
- Community Integration: The design includes communal spaces that promote social interaction and support resident well-being.
Project Team
- Developer: J & G Knowles and Associates Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: DFP Planning Pty Ltd
- Architect: Marchese Partners
- Landscape Architect: Hamilton Landscape Architects
- Traffic Consultant: onemilegrid
- Bushfire Assessment: MJD Environmental
- Sustainability Consultant: JHA Services
- Noise and Vibration Consultant: EMM
How to Have Your Say
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal until 21 February 2025. For more details or to submit your input, search for SSD-49283708 on the NSW Department of Planning website.
