Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct

In October 2018, Manly Hospital was closed. All patients and services were relocated to the new Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH).

In November 2018, the NSW Government announced that an Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) would be located on a portion of the site.

About the proposal

The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is working collaboratively with the Project Steering Advisory Committee (PSAC), incorporating NSW Health, the Northern Sydney Local Health District and community stakeholders, to develop a master plan for future uses on the site as a health and wellbeing precinct.

The master plan will focus on delivering health and wellbeing-related uses, a mix of open and community spaces, neighbourhood-scale shops, food and drink offerings, and developing an adaptive re-use strategy for the existing heritage buildings.

The NSW Government appointed Cox Architecture as the lead consultant to assist DPE to develop the future uses concept master plan in accordance with the agreed guiding principles and the vision statement, both developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the community.

February 2023 project update

Request for Detailed Proposal campaign closed

Following an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign in late 2021, DPE undertook a Request for Detailed Proposal (RFDP) with shortlisted respondents, which closed in May 2022. The EOI and RFDP will identify a delivery partner to help transform the former Manly Hospital site into a vibrant health and wellbeing precinct. The delivery partner will work with DPE and the community to develop a master plan to meet the needs of the people of the Northern Beaches and the greater Sydney metropolitan area.

It is anticipated the project will be delivered via a long-term leasehold agreement, ensuring the site is retained in government ownership.

Evaluation of the RFDP is ongoing.

Planning proposal

DPE has submitted a planning proposal with the Northern Beaches Council for the site to help realise the community's vision for the health and wellbeing precinct. The proposal seeks to expand the range of health, wellbeing and related uses permitted on the site under the existing health services facility zoning.

In July 2021, the council recommended the planning proposal progress to Gateway Determination.  DPE is preparing an updated urban design study prior to the planning proposal being placed on public exhibition.

Next steps

While the planning proposal progresses, a formal master planning process will be undertaken with the successful project partner at the completion of the RFDP process.

The master plan will include controls which manage height, bulk, and scale, as well as requirements relating to environmental and heritage matters.  The community will have the opportunity to provide further formal feedback during this process.

Project objective

Vision statement

“A vibrant health and wellbeing sanctuary which welcomes and supports the needs of the local and wider community – achieved through innovation and balance”.

Guiding principles

1. The community will have continued access to the site for social/recreation activities and use of public/private services.
2. The rainforest area will be permanently reserved.
3. The services developed on the site will contribute to the health, wellbeing and care of the community.
4. The services provided from the site’s uses will address a defined community need for which there are tangible and ongoing benefits.
5. A diverse range of services and partnerships will be pursued which leverage the greatest collective value for the community.
6. The services and infrastructure proposals for the site must demonstrate financial sustainability.

Community consultation

Community consultation was undertaken in August and September 2019 which identified key themes to inform the concept master plan.

Further consultation was undertaken between July and September 2020 to seek the community’s feedback on the draft concept master plan prior to lodging the planning proposal. A virtual webinar was held on 21 September 2020 to answer the community’s queries.