A $500 million proposal aims to transform the historic War Memorial Hospital site in Waverley into a modern seniors’ living and wellness precinct, integrating housing, health care, and heritage.
Background and Context
Uniting NSW.ACT has provided aged care and community services in Waverley for over a century. Plans have been lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure as a State Significant Development (SSD-61389706) to redevelop the Uniting Waverley Estate (War Memorial Hospital site).
The proposal follows a 2020 rezoning refusal by Waverley Council and several years of consultation with residents. Feedback helped refine the masterplan, focusing on heritage preservation, sustainable design, and improved access within the precinct.
Redevelopment Plans
The 43,000-square-metre site, located between Bronte Road, Birrell Street, Carrington Road and Church Street, will include six new buildings ranging from four to seven storeys. The design by Architectus, in collaboration with Arcadia, Welsh + Major, and Yerrabingin, proposes 230 independent living units—including 23 affordable dwellings—and a 114-room aged care facility.
The redevelopment also includes shared amenities such as a seniors’ gym, dementia day centre, café, salon, and landscaped open spaces. Construction will be carefully staged to maintain operations at the co-located War Memorial Hospital.
Heritage and Design
Four heritage-listed buildings—Ellerslie, Banksia, Wych Hazel, and the Church Street Cottages—will be retained and adapted for residential and community use. The historic gates at Bronte Road and Birrell Street will be restored, with landscaped gardens and pedestrian pathways improving access and connectivity across the estate.
The design preserves the heritage lawn and enhances the chapel’s setting by removing non-significant structures. The architectural approach aims to balance Waverley’s historic character with modern living and care facilities.
Sustainability and Environmental Features
The project prioritises energy efficiency and environmental sustainability through geothermal and solar systems, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient fittings, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Landscape architects Arcadia and Yerrabingin have designed sensory gardens, green courtyards, and walking paths to promote wellbeing and connection to Country. Native plants and passive stormwater management form part of the site’s biodiversity plan.
Traffic, Parking and Accessibility
Basement car parking with 478 spaces will reduce street-level traffic. Main access will be via Bronte Road, with secondary entries on Birrell Street, Church Street and Carrington Road. Shared pedestrian and vehicle zones, along with reduced speed limits, aim to improve safety.
Traffic studies indicate minimal congestion, and service entries for the hospital will remain operational throughout construction.
Economic and Community Benefits
The redevelopment is expected to generate between 250 and 375 construction jobs and around 120 permanent roles once complete. Approximately 10 per cent of the dwellings will be allocated for affordable senior rental housing.
The plan supports the concept of ageing in place—enabling older residents to transition from independent living to higher levels of care without leaving their community. The project aims to enhance local access to aged care, health and wellness facilities while preserving Waverley’s heritage character.
Project Status and Next Steps
The proposal, classified as State Significant Development Application SSD-61389706, is currently under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Public exhibition for community feedback closed on 9 April 2025, and a final decision is expected in 2026. If approved, construction will proceed in stages to ensure uninterrupted hospital operations and continuity of care services.
Published 12-Oct-2025
