Work has begun to transform an abandoned building on the Northern Beaches into safe and secure housing for up to 45 residents.
The multi-million-dollar project complements the Minns Labor Government's historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which is creating thousands of new public homes in well-located areas across the state.
The former Queenscliff Health Centre will be turned into 37 new social homes, with priority given to women over the age of 55.
Designed to honour the building's 40-year history and original architecture, the new complex will pay homage to many of the authentic features.
The project has been made possible by $6.5 million in NSW Government assistance, as well as a contribution from the Community Housing Provider Link Wentworth who will own and manage the complex.
It is a leading example of Government and the sector working innovatively by leveraging multiple funding streams to create much needed housing.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and ready for residents to move in.
The Minns Labor Government has delivered the largest housing and planning reform agenda in the state's history, including:
- Delivering over 8,400 new social homes, at least 50% of which will be prioritised for victim survivors of domestic and family violence.
- Introducing a world leading Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to fast track construction and increase housing supply.
- Establishing the Housing Delivery Authority to make sure there is an enduring, state-wide focus on housing delivery.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:
"This is such a fantastic outcome for the Northern Beaches who have waited a long time to see plans for this site come to life.
"We're not only preserving a historical building that means a lot to this community, we're also turning it into the kind of housing people desperately need right now.
"Social housing is essential in every part of Sydney, including the Northern Beaches where those on low incomes are facing increasing housing insecurity.
"Many of the new homes are going to women aged over 55, one of the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness, and that's exactly who we need to be supporting with secure, long-term housing."
Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty:
"The old Health Centre was at the heart of the Queenscliff community for more than 40 years and by re-imagining and transforming the building it will continue to serve as an asset for the community, we will turn it into a place to call home for some of our most vulnerable."
