RSL LifeCare lodges village redevelopment plan eight years after first DA
RSL LifeCare’s ANZAC Village renewal enters NSW planning system
- Major redevelopment lodged: SSDA submitted for ANZAC Village renewal
- Long-running site evolution: Follows withdrawn 2018 redevelopment proposal
- ‘Village of villages’ model: Walkable neighbourhoods with integrated care services
- Extensive engagement underpinning plan: 18,000-plus community engagement touchpoints recorded
The Not For Profit’s 10 to 15-year renewal plan to modernise one of Australia’s most significant veteran and senior communities has reached the NSW Government planning pathway.
Those with long careers in the sector will remember that RSL LifeCare proposed a $47.8 million plan to redevelop its RSL ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, 23km northeast of Sydney’s CBD, in 2018.
The operator had lodged a development application to demolish 15 single-storey buildings with 30 units to make way for 86 two-bedroom units – complete with rooftop pool and recreation areas. Four months later, then-new CEO Laurie Leigh withdraw the application.
Now eights years later, RSL LifeCare has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to renew the site.
Established on Anzac Day in 1939, RSL ANZAC Village has been home to veterans and seniors for more than 86 years.
“This renewal is about caring for what already exists, while planning responsibly for the future,” said Drew Pearce, the new CEO of RSL LifeCare.
“It’s about strengthening what makes RSL ANZAC Village special, lifting accessibility, wellbeing and care outcomes, while protecting the character, history and purpose that has shaped this community for more than eight decades.”
The SSDA will now progress through the NSW Government’s assessment and public exhibition process.
New proposal
The proposed village renewal introduces a ‘village of villages’ model, creating walkable neighbourhoods with new homes, green spaces and shared amenities with care and support integrated across the village.
If approved, development would be delivered in stages to minimise disruption, with detailed construction, access and traffic management plans prepared in consultation with residents and neighbours before each stage begins.
Shaped by community input
The plan has been shaped by a multiphase engagement program since February 2025, including four resident workshops, two veterans’ workshops and a veterans’ survey, more than 500 conversations through the onsite Community Information Hub, and 18,574 engagement touchpoints across events, hub visits and online engagement.
RSL LifeCare says it continues to engage residents, veterans, families and neighbours through newsletters and letters, information sessions and drop-in sessions, an online project hub and dedicated enquiry channels, and will keep sharing updates as plans progress.
Once on exhibition, the full State Significant Development Application and supporting studies will be publicly available for review as part of the NSW Government’s assessment process.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure RSL ANZAC Village remains a place of service, care and community for decades to come,” Drew said.
“It’s about honouring the past, responding to today’s challenges, and planning thoughtfully for the future.”
