Plans Filed for $98m Seniors, Childcare Project in Newcastle

More than 10 years in the making and nearly quadruple the original size, fresh plans have been filed for an aged care facility and childcare centre in NSW’s second largest city.

The project for young and old comprises six multi-storey buildings with 237 independent living units and an 106-place child care facility.

SNL Building Constructions Pty Ltd has filed the documents with the City of Newcastle through its director’s entity Livo & Co Pty Ltd for the site at 147A Newcastle Road, Wallsend, 11km west of the Newcastle CBD.

The 2.81ha site has approval from 2016 for a similar-sized project which was extended through Covid but lapsed on October 7, 2023.

Further back, a 2010 plan was approved for a 102-bed facility for seniors and people with disabilities at a cost of $21 million by Arton Group Village which was part of Castalia Group.

The latest $98-million plans designed by Place Studio have “pivoted on the adjoining park, incorporating aspects of the legacy brick works which has been converted into a high-quality landscaped estate”.

“It is certainly an exciting project that provides diverse housing opportunities (seniors living) to the Hunter region,” Place Studio chief executive James Alexander-Hatziplis said.

▲ An overview of the project in western Newcastle, which has six mid-rise buildings for seniors and childcare.

“The project provided an interesting opportunity to build a lasting community through incorporating seniors living with complimentary amenities and services such as an indoor pool, café, childcare centre, outdoor bowls, communal workshop, communal garden, and community theatre.

“High-quality amenities are key to providing robust housing, particularly to those members of the community that deserve the rest and relaxation.”

▲ Place Studio architect designed the project for in Wallsend, NSW.

The development would benefit from growing demographic sectors—the number of Australians aged 65 and older will double in the next 40 years, while the number of people aged 85 and older will triple, according to the Retirement Living Council.

Meanwhile, childcare facilities have proved profitable assets with stable long-term leases and renewed government subsidies for operators and consumers.