Introduction
The proposed Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct is set to breathe new life into the Former Manly Hospital site at 150 Darley Road, Manly. This ambitious redevelopment, led by Aveo in partnership with Property and Development NSW (PDNSW), seeks to establish a forward-thinking hub for health, aged care, and community wellbeing. Having recently applied for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), the project marks an important step toward realizing a vibrant, multi-purpose precinct.
The proposal aims to integrate seniors housing, health services, and community facilities in a way that enhances the local area. This article explores the project’s vision, strategic context, development plans, and its potential impact on the Northern Beaches community.
Project Overview
The Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct is categorized as a State Significant Development (SSD) under the NSW Planning Systems SEPP (2021) due to its estimated development cost exceeding $30 million. The precinct will feature a combination of seniors housing, a residential aged care facility, health and wellbeing services, childcare, food and beverage outlets, and publicly accessible open spaces and community facilities.
The Manly Hospital was officially closed in October 2018, leading to comprehensive community consultations and strategic planning to repurpose the site for public benefit.
Artist impression by Hassell
Strategic Context
The project aligns with several strategic planning frameworks, including the NSW Housing Strategy 2041, the Greater Sydney Region Plan (A Metropolis of Three Cities), and the Northern Beaches Local Housing Strategy (2021). These policies emphasize the need for adaptable housing, sustainability, and social infrastructure to support changing demographics.
The Proposed Development
Project Vision
Aveo and PDNSW envision the Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct as a vibrant, integrated community hub that fosters health, leisure, and lifelong learning. The master plan prioritizes cultural and environmental connections, particularly First Nations heritage, while also ensuring adaptive reuse of heritage structures. Sustainability is a key focus, with the development aiming for a 6-star Green Star rating. Public accessibility is another priority, with dedicated pathways linking the precinct to Manly’s broader community spaces.
Key Development Features
The project covers 46,545m², with an estimated Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 29,730m². This includes 14,818m² for seniors housing and aged care facilities, along with 14,912m² dedicated to health and wellbeing services. Approximately 42% of the site will be designated as usable open space. The maximum proposed building height is RL81.8, and basement car parking is planned to minimize surface traffic.
The master plan also includes three key spines connecting the Darley Road entrance to the public parkland and remnant forest.
Community Benefits and Social Impact
The Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct is expected to deliver significant social and economic benefits. It will address the increasing demand for seniors housing in a high-amenity location while providing diverse healthcare services. The project will also enhance public access to green spaces and create local employment opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors.
Artist impression by Hassell
Environmental and Heritage Considerations
Heritage Protection
The Former Manly Hospital is of local heritage significance, and its historical structures will be integrated into the redevelopment. Key measures include retaining the sandstone boundary walls, reinstating the historic entrance, and ensuring adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
Environmental Sustainability
The project incorporates ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles, including adaptive reuse of buildings, biodiversity conservation, water-sensitive urban design, and sustainable transport initiatives such as bicycle facilities and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Bushfire and Flood Risk Mitigation
Given its location near bushland, the development includes Asset Protection Zones (APZs) to enhance fire safety. A Bushfire Resilience Plan and Flood Risk Assessments will guide site preparation and drainage design.
Traffic, Transport, and Accessibility
A Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment will evaluate increased vehicular movements and accessibility solutions, including public transport integration and pedestrian pathways.
Regulatory and Planning Framework
The Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct is subject to various planning and environmental approvals, including the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021), the State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021), and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Community Engagement and Consultation
PDNSW and Aveo are actively engaging with stakeholders, including Northern Beaches Council, Transport for NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Future public consultations will help refine the project to align with community expectations and environmental best practices.
Project Team
The development is being led by a collaboration of experienced organizations:
- Client/Developer: Aveo, in partnership with Property and Development NSW (PDNSW)
- Architects: Hassell Architects
- Planning Consultants: Beam Planning
- Environmental Consultants: Arcadis
- Cultural Advisors: Djinjama
- Traffic and Transport Consultants: Transport for NSW
- Bushfire and Risk Assessment Experts: Rural Fire Service NSW
For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal and search for application number SSD-79370958 on the Department of Planning’s website.
