Abandoned building to be reborn as housing for older women

Work has begun to transform the former Queenscliff Health Centre in Sydney’s Northern Beaches into housing for up to 45 residents, with priority given to women over the age of 55. 

The project for 37 new social homes has been made possible by $6.5 million in NSW Government assistance, together with a contribution from community housing provider Link Wentworth, who will own and manage the complex.  

There will be 27 studio apartments, eight one-bedroom apartments, and two two-bedroom apartments in the redevelopment in North Manly, 17km northeast of Sydney’s CBD.

The homes will be reserved for women at risk of homelessness and seniors 55 years of age and over. Eligible clients will pay 25% of their income plus 100% of their Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

“Lower lifetime earnings, limited superannuation, and rising living costs mean women are often among our most at risk,” CEO of Link Wentworth, Andrew McAnulty, said at a function to mark the restoration’s halfway point.

“We see it all the time through Link Wentworth that a safe, stable, affordable home can change the course of someone’s life. The Queenscliff development will do exactly that.”

The former NSW Coalition Government purchased the site through state development body Landcom to repurpose the building to deliver social housing. 

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and ready for residents to move in.