The site of a disused Community Health Centre at Queenscliff is gaining a new lease on life as a small, low-scale development with one third of units providing affordable housing for local women over 55 in housing distress.

Community Housing Provider Link Wentworth in conjunction with Landcom have lodged a Development Application with Northern Beaches Council for the adaptive reuse of the site to deliver 37 dwellings comprising studios, 1 and 2-bedroom homes – of which at least 12 will be for women over 55 in housing distress.

Landcom CEO John Brogden said there are around 1,500 women aged over 55 in the Northern Beaches who are in housing stress and at risk of homelessness due to family breakdown, underemployment, and a lack of superannuation.

“These are people’s mothers, aunties, netball coaches and friends - people from the local community who have unfortunately fallen on hard times and require access to affordable and secure accommodation,” Mr Brogden said.

“I am pleased that the Development Application has been lodged and look forward to working with Link Wentworth on this important issue.”

Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said that delivering affordable and diverse housing is complex and requires a collaborative approach across all levels of government, as well as industry and the community.

“Through the partnership with Landcom we will bring this quality project to life and in doing so make a contribution to addressing housing need in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area,” Mr McAnulty said.

“The partnership is strongly embedded in the shared belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.”

State MP for Manly James Griffin said using the old community Health Centre site to help local women over 55 who are at risk of homelessness is a project that we can all be proud of.

“The partnership between community Housing provider, Link Wentworth and Landcom will deliver a practical and important reuse of a community asset,” Mr Griffin said.

Subject to approvals it is expected work on the adaptive reuse of the building will be completed by late 2023.

For more information visit the Queenscliff project virtual engagement room.