Work has begun to transform the former Queenscliff Health Centre into safe and secure housing for up to 45 residents.
The abandoned building 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. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and ready for residents to move in.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the project is a great outcome for the Northern Beaches. “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,” Minister Jackson said. “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.”
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.
Andrew McAnulty, Link Wentworth CEO, said: “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.”
The multi-million-dollar project complements the State Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, creating thousands of new public homes.
