Platino Properties has lodged plans for a new seniors housing and mixed-use precinct at 1 and 3 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest. The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development (SSD) application to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, outlines a staged transformation of two commercial lots into a high-density residential community with health and commercial amenities.
Proposal Overview
The application seeks approval for both a concept masterplan covering the 2.26-hectare site and detailed consent for Stage 1 of the development at 3 Skyline Place.
The concept plan proposes six new buildings—labelled A to F—comprising 349 independent living units (ILUs), a 20-bed residential care facility, and various non-residential uses. These may include community services, health facilities, education centres, shops, or offices. Importantly, five percent of the ILU gross floor area is dedicated to affordable seniors housing.
Stage 1 focuses on demolishing the existing warehouse at 3 Skyline Place. In its place, Buildings A, B, and C are proposed. These will range in height from 6 to 14 storeys. This stage will deliver 200 ILUs in various configurations, alongside aged care rooms, commercial space, and basement parking for 326 vehicles. It also includes 1,407m² of affordable housing and 546m² of employment-generating uses at ground level.
In addition, public domain works will feature pedestrian walkways, new access roads, and landscaped communal areas. These improvements aim to create a connected and accessible precinct. The Stage 1 component is valued at approximately $190.6 million. This aligns with a wider shift toward vertical seniors housing in Sydney’s urban areas.
Masterplan by Smith & Tzannes
Background of the Proposal
The Northern Beaches is experiencing one of the largest projected increases in the population aged 65 and over across Sydney. Therefore, the need for accessible, well-located seniors housing has become increasingly urgent.
Frenchs Forest has been identified as a strategic area for health and education development. This is due to its proximity to the Northern Beaches Hospital and a future town centre. The site falls within the Frenchs Forest Business Park and is zoned SP4 Enterprise under the Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2011. This zoning permits seniors housing with consent and encourages employment-related uses.
Currently, 1 Skyline Place contains a two-storey commercial office building. In contrast, 3 Skyline Place—the focus of Stage 1—contains a former Miele showroom and warehouse. These buildings will be replaced by higher-density residential structures. Meanwhile, adjacent lots at 5 and 7 Skyline Place are already undergoing similar transitions, with one completed and the other under construction.
Overall, this proposal contributes to the growing pipeline of Northern Beaches aged care development. It also responds to the increasing need for affordable seniors housing across Northern Sydney.
Design
The masterplan, led by Smith & Tzannes in collaboration with Matthew Pullinger Architect, outlines a high-density precinct centred around landscaped public and communal spaces. Building heights range from 6 to 14 storeys. Taller buildings are positioned to reduce overshadowing and maintain privacy for nearby properties.
Stage 1, designed by PA Studio, features three new buildings arranged to accommodate various ILU layouts, aged care rooms, and shared resident amenities. These buildings also include basement levels designed to provide car parking, building services, and storage. The layout aims to maximise space while maintaining a comfortable residential environment.
Paddock Landscape Architects have prepared the landscape design, which incorporates deep soil zones, diverse planting, and pedestrian links. These elements aim to encourage walkability, improve site permeability, and provide visual and functional open space for residents and visitors alike.
Moreover, the proposal includes sustainability features such as energy-efficient systems, provision for active transport, and integration with existing public transport options. These measures are intended to reduce environmental impact and enhance long-term liveability.
The design team states that the proposal responds to the local built form and supports the strategic vision for Frenchs Forest as a health and education precinct within the Northern Beaches.
Artist impression by Smith & Tzannes
Project Team
- Developer: Platino Properties
- Architect (Masterplan): Smith & Tzannes; Matthew Pullinger Architect
- Architect (Stage 1): PA Studio
- Landscape Architect: Paddock Landscape Architects
- Planning Consultant: Keylan Consulting
- Traffic and Transport: Varga Traffic Planning
- Environmental & ESD: Ecologique
- Heritage: Curio Projects
- Acoustic: Acoustic Logic
- Civil and Stormwater: Arcadia Civil
- Accessibility: Accessible Building Solutions
- Waste: Elephants Foot
- Crime Prevention: Keylan Consulting
For more information, search the application number SSD-69850712 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website. The proposal is on public exhibition from 12 June to 9 July 2025.
