Pathways responds to concerns over Ritz aged care redevelopment

The expanding aged care operator’s redevelopment of the historic Ritz Hotel project in Leura, 85km west of Sydney, is currently progressing through the State Significant Development process.

With plans for the $40 million proposal to convert the 1882-built Ritz into a 120-bed aged care home on exhibition until 22 October 2025, 10 submissions were lodged.

Most submissions were in favour of converting the building into residential aged care.

However, half the submissions objected to elements of the proposal’s design, citing its excessive bulk, loss of heritage, deep basement excavation, overshadowing of adjacent buildings, increased traffic, removal of trees, and exceeding height restrictions.

One local resident said the proposal would be a “blight” on the local area.

A proud history

Pathways, which operates four high-end aged care homes in Sydney and has another three in various stages of development, acquired the 11,300 sqm site and heritage-listed building in 2019.

The operator’s initial plans to redevelop the former Hotel into a 140-bed aged care facility were knocked back in 2021, initially by the Blue Mountains City Council and then by the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Pathways’ revised plans for a 120-bed aged care home, taking into account objections towards the earlier proposal, are now being pursued as a State Significant Development. Seniors housing projects worth more than $30 million (or more than $20 million outside Greater Sydney) qualify.

The site, located at 203-223 Leura Mall, has primarily been operated as a hotel over the decades. However, during World War II, it was used as a military convalescence hospital, and in 1970 the building was converted into a 150-bed ‘nursing home’.

The home, which was operated by Milstern, closed in 2017 after its accreditation was withdrawn and Pathways acquired the property soon afterwards.

Pathways pursuing growth

Pathways’ four aged care homes in operation are:

• a 105-bed aged care home in Killara, 14km north of the Sydney CBD
• a 121-bed home in Northbridge, 6km north of the CBD
• a 169-bed home in Cronulla, 29km south of the CBD
• a newly opened 122-bed home in Longueville, 10km west of the CBD

The operator also has planning approval for the $98.5 million Amara Cremorne, 7km north of the CBD, with 58 ILUs and a 41-bed aged care home.

Late last year, Pathways owner Graeme Skerritt also acquired a 3,000sqm site at 33-37 Dover Road and 2-30 Wilberforce Avenue, Rose Bay, 7km east of the CBD.

Pathways has lodged a scoping report to build 70 ILUs and a 50-bed aged care home on the site.

Pathways will now respond to locals’ objections to the Leura project.