A $500 million redevelopment of the Uniting War Memorial Hospital site in Waverley is now on public exhibition. The proposal, which aims to modernise aged care and independent living, is open for community feedback until 9 April 2025.
The project seeks to address the growing demand for senior housing and care services in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It includes a new aged care facility, independent living units, and community spaces. The design also integrates heritage conservation and sustainability measures. While the development brings benefits, it also raises questions about traffic, infrastructure, and urban density.
Proposed Development Overview
The redevelopment, classified as State Significant Development (SSD-61389706), covers 34,409.3 square metres and introduces six new buildings alongside existing heritage structures.
The plan features a six-storey Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) with 105 beds. It will include consulting rooms, a chapel, a café, a salon, and a community gym. In addition, the project will deliver five independent living unit (ILU) buildings, ranging from four to seven storeys. These buildings will contain 231 apartments, including 23 affordable housing units.
To support accessibility, the development includes a 478-space basement parking area and new internal roads with access from Bronte Road and Birrell Street. Landscaped open spaces will provide communal areas for residents.
Masterplan by Architectus
The proposed redevelopment is located at the Uniting War Memorial Hospital site in Waverley, at the intersection of Bronte Road, Birrell Street, Carrington Road, and Church Street. The area is currently home to a mix of aged care and community health services, medium-density residential dwellings, and several heritage-listed buildings. The hospital campus, which has provided healthcare services for over a century, includes the Uniting Edina Building, existing seniors’ housing, and landscaped green spaces. The site’s central location places it within proximity to Bondi Junction, public transport links, and essential community services, making it a strategic location for aged care and housing expansion.
Heritage Conservation and Adaptive Reuse
The War Memorial Hospital site has played a key role in the community for over 100 years. The project preserves four heritage-listed buildings—Ellerslie, Banksia, Wych Hazel, and Church Street Cottages—while integrating them into the new design.
These buildings will be repurposed for residential and community use. A Heritage Impact Assessment has ensured that the project balances modernisation with historical conservation.
Traffic and Infrastructure Considerations
The introduction of 336 new residences and community spaces will increase local activity. As a result, managing traffic flow and infrastructure demand remains a key consideration.
The project proposes a new driveway on Bronte Road and secondary access on Birrell Street to reduce congestion. A Traffic Impact Assessment indicates that existing transport networks can accommodate the additional demand. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on real-world conditions and further assessment.
Sustainability and Environmental Features
The redevelopment prioritises energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The design includes:
- Geothermal heating systems for reduced energy consumption.
- Solar panels to lower grid reliance.
- Extensive green landscaping to enhance biodiversity.
- Recycled materials in heritage restorations to minimise waste.
These measures align with NSW’s sustainability targets, ensuring that the site operates efficiently while reducing its environmental footprint.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond providing aged care and housing, the development is expected to generate local economic benefits. The construction phase will create 250 jobs, while ongoing operations will support 122 permanent roles.
The inclusion of affordable housing units also helps address rising housing costs for seniors. The project aims to foster community engagement by offering shared spaces, wellness facilities, and support services.
Project Team
A multidisciplinary team of experts is responsible for the project’s planning and design:
- Developer & Proponent: Uniting NSW.ACT
- Planning Consultant: Willowtree Planning Pty Ltd
- Architects: Architectus
- Heritage Consultants: NBRS
- Landscape Architects: Arcadia Landscape Architects
- Traffic and Transport Consultants: Traffix
- Sustainability Consultants: WSP
- Acoustic Consultants: Renzo Tonin & Associates
- Environmental and Geotechnical Consultants: Douglas Partners
Have Your Say
The proposal is open for public feedback until 9 April 2025. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the plans and provide input.
To view the full application and submit comments:
- Visit the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) website:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/uniting-war-memorial-hospital-waverley - Search for Application Number SSD-61389706.
- Submit feedback via the NSW Planning Portal.
The community’s input will influence the final outcome. Residents are encouraged to participate before the exhibition period closes on 9 April 2025.
