Uniting Approved for $500m Waverley Seniors Project

The way has been cleared for a $500-million seniors housing and aged care redevelopment project in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has now approved the State Significant Development Application for the redevelopment of Uniting NSW.ACT’s 3.4ha Waverley Estate at 125 Birrell Street, Waverley, next to Bondi Junction.

The redevelopment will deliver 231 independent living apartments, including 23 affordable housing homes, and 105 residential aged-care places alongside the existing War Memorial Hospital.

The apartments will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes aimed at older residents who want to remain in the eastern suburbs, according to the application.

Uniting NSW.ACT chief executive Tracey Burton said the project would address a widening gap between demand and supply for seniors housing in NSW.

“The over-75 population is the fastest-growing age group in NSW, yet seniors housing remains significantly undersupplied across the state,” Burton said.

She said purpose-built accommodation for seniors could ease pressure on the broader housing market.

“This accommodation helps older people stay independent for longer, delays the need for higher-level care, and frees up family homes for others during a housing crisis,” she said.

▲ Uniting NSW.ACT chief executive Tracey Burton and an concept illustration of part of the redeveloped seniors living estate.

Seven buildings from four to seven storeys are planned across the site.

Uniting said the redevelopment would retain and restore four heritage-listed cottages and expand public and communal green space.

The approved plans include sensory gardens, social courtyards, an intergenerational playground and shared community facilities.

Burton said the organisation had been operating in Waverley for more than a century.

Uniting said the precinct would support up to 400 older people once fully operational.

The development team includes Architectus, Welsh + Major and landscape architect Arcadia.

Burton said the design sought to balance new development with the site’s heritage setting.

▲ An overview of the masterplan for the site in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“The seven buildings each balance heritage sensitivity with contemporary form,” she said.

Construction is expected to generate about 250 jobs, with up to 125 ongoing roles once the precinct is complete.

Uniting said there would be no changes to the operation of the War Memorial Hospital during construction.

The project will be delivered in stages to allow the hospital and existing health services to continue operating.

Uniting expects to begin the tender process for a builder in 2027 after detailed designs are completed.