Scalabrini Villages will adaptively reuse two existing buildings at Drummoyne to deliver new seniors housing. The Como (front) and Piacenza (riverfront) buildings will contain 54 independent living units and a two-bed Care Hub for palliative and dementia care. The project focuses mainly on internal works. However, it will also include new balconies, a terrace on Level 5 of Como, a refreshed main entry, and waterfront decking. Residents will benefit from communal spaces such as wellness rooms, lounges, a cinema and landscaped gardens.
Planning Pathway and Consent Authority
The proposal qualifies as State Significant Development (SSD) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Seniors housing projects valued above $30 million must use this pathway. The capital investment value is $59.94 million.
Normally, the Minister for Planning serves as the consent authority. In this case, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) issued consent because the local council maintained an objection about foreshore access. That objection triggered escalation to the IPC under the Minister’s delegation powers.
Assessment and Conditions
The IPC approved the proposal on 22 August 2025 (SSD-64388218). The Department advised that impacts would be manageable and that the project would serve the public interest. The approval included several conditions:
- Foreshore access: The developer must register a 1.5-metre-wide easement before the first occupation certificate. This easement will enable continuous public access in the future.
- Parking and traffic: The IPC accepted the provision of 59 parking spaces. A Green Travel Plan and Travel Access Guide must also be implemented to support sustainable transport. Traffic modelling indicated negligible impacts.
- Café restrictions: The on-site café, called the Boathouse, will serve only residents and guests. It will allow about 30 patrons and operate from 8 am to 3 pm. A Plan of Management and acoustic controls will apply.
- Waste and logistics: The developer must implement a revised waste management plan and a Loading Dock Management Plan.
- Height variation: The IPC accepted a minor height breach for a lift and stair overrun because it caused negligible impacts.
Economic and Operational Impacts
The redevelopment represents an economic investment of nearly $60 million. It will generate around 210 construction jobs and 47 ongoing operational roles. The independent living units will target residents aged 78 years and older. The Care Hub will provide short-stay residential care integrated with the seniors living model. The facility will operate seven days a week with administration, nursing, and café staff in place.
Community and Agency Response
The project went on public exhibition between 25 October and 21 November 2024. Stakeholders lodged six submissions: three objections, two comments, and one in support. Issues raised included built form, traffic and parking, and foreshore access.
Council emphasised the need for foreshore connectivity and improved waste servicing. Other agencies requested refinements to traffic, accessibility, fire safety and wind impacts. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure also undertook a site visit in December 2024 before finalising its report.
Functional requirements by Jackson Teece
Design Refinements Post-Exhibition
Following consultation, the proponent made several adjustments:
- Foreshore: The developer confirmed a registered easement to secure future access along the riverfront.
- Traffic: New measures such as line marking, mirrors, an ambulance bay, warning light, and adjusted accessible parking spaces were added. The developer will also implement a Traffic Management Plan.
- Waste: The design of waste storage rooms and bin collection paths was reconfigured to satisfy Council’s requirements.
- Wind: Additional screening, balustrades and landscaping were added to reduce potential wind channelling at lower levels.
Project Team
- Developer: Scalabrini Villages
- Planning and EIS: Urbis
- Architecture and Urban Design: Jackson Teece
For more information, search the application number SSD-64388218 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website.
