The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has approved the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) by Uniting NSW.ACT to redevelop its aged care home in Kingscliff, in the state’s Northern Rivers region.

The $219.5 million proposal by the Not For Profit, faith-based provider includes seven buildings ranging from two to four storeys, comprising 199 independent living units and 122 residential aged care beds across the basement levels.

However, the final decision will rest with the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) after the project received 291 public objections – well above the 50-objection threshold for IPC referral.

As The Weekly SOURCE reported in May, Uniting had scaled back the co-located proposal, reducing independent living units from 235 to 199 and aged care beds from 120 to 122. Despite this, the estimated cost increased by 57%.

In approving the SSDA for referral, the Department said the redevelopment supports the Government’s priorities to deliver well-located housing, respond to the needs of an ageing population, and align with the envisaged character of the area. The site is close to Kingscliff’s town centre and shopping precinct.

The Kingscliff project is one of several major developments Uniting has in the pipeline, including:

• the $448 million Waverley Estate (its largest ever project),
• the $194 million Uniting Wesley Gardens redevelopment, and
• Uniting Amala Gordon.

Its $300 million Charlestown project, on the former TAFE campus near Newcastle, was the first seniors’ living State Significant Development approved by the NSW Government under its new Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).