Landcom has today announced plans for the adaptive reuse of the former Queenscliff Community Health Centre into a small, low-scale development with affordable housing.
Landcom CEO John Brogden said the 4,000 square metre site on the corner of Pittwater Road and Lakeside Crescent, will be re-purposed for around 35-38 studio, one and potentially two bedroom apartments, with a minimum of 10 per cent made available for affordable rental housing.
“Landcom is very excited to have the opportunity to repurpose this perfectly located building into a residential development that will fit in seamlessly with the character and beautiful natural environment of the local neighbourhood,” Mr Brogden said.
“Landcom is committed to deliver 5 to 10 per cent affordable rental housing on all of its projects for key workers on low to moderate incomes such as nurses, child care workers, cleaners and retail workers.
“Landcom is also aware of the local 1,500 women aged 55 and over in the Northern Beaches who are in housing stress and at risk of homelessness due to family breakdown, underemployment and a lack of superannuation, so we would welcome Community Housing Providers that cater to this group to tender to partner with us on this project.”
Mr Brogden said that as the State Government’s land and property development organisation, Landcom is best placed to lead with a whole of Government approach on projects such as Queenscliff.
“Landcom’s Queenscliff project is a great example of the NSW Government working together to repurpose a surplus government site for more affordable housing and delivering a new local NSW Health facility nearby at Brookvale,” Mr Brogden said.
“The project will also have significant sustainability benefits as the adaptive reuse rather than the demolition of the existing building will minimise the construction footprint on the site.
“Other sustainability initiatives will also be delivered through the redesign of the existing building which will also translate to a reduction in ongoing living costs for households, once the project is completed.”
Member for Manly, James Griffin MP, said he was proud that Landcom’s Queenscliff project will demonstrate to the rest of Metropolitan Sydney that successful partnerships between the community housing sector and Government can effectively address housing affordability concerns.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan welcomed the increase in affordable housing for the Northern Beaches.
“Using this site for much needed affordable housing was an initiative I started with the state government almost two years ago,” Cr Regan said.
“The closure of the Queenscliff Health Centre was an opportunity to increase the range and supply of affordable rental housing so badly needed in our area.
“We constantly hear stories of our key workers travelling long distances to work or couch surfing because of the critical shortfall of affordable housing here. That’s why initiatives like this are so important.”
Mr Brogden said that Landcom will also work with the successful Community Housing Provider through a co-design process ensuring the development’s innovative design is fit-for-purpose.
