Uniting has backed down over controversial plans for the redevelopment of its Nareen Gardens site at Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast in the face of sustained community opposition.
The Not For Profit had planned to quadruple the village’s size, demolishing existing buildings and creating a three- to four-storey vertical development with 232 independent living units and a 160-bed aged care home; however, the $148 million project met with headwinds from community groups, who said it was too large for local zoning and would create problems with privacy, traffic, noise, and light in the area.
Uniting has released a revised masterplan (above) which eliminates one of the buildings, cuts the ILU numbers to 190, reduces building heights, and moves structures further back from boundaries, among other changes.
Director of Property and Housing Simon Furness told Central Coast News that Uniting is receptive to community feedback.
“Uniting values the wellbeing of all our residents and community, and that is why we are working towards a redevelopment plan for Uniting Nareen Gardens that will benefit the broader community.
“Community consultation is an important part of any redevelopment project, and we welcome community members to have their say,” he said.
The revised masterplan will be submitted to Central Coast Council later this month; if approved, staged construction could begin near the end of 2022.
