Green light for overhaul of Bateau Bay aged care village

A $148M redevelopment of Nareen Gardens retirement village at Bateau Bay has been approved by the Central Coast Hunter Regional Planning Panel.

The local community waged a strong campaign against the bulk and scale of the new “vertical” multi-storey development in Bias Ave, which would overshadow neighbours and cause traffic congestion and noise in surrounding streets.

Owners of the village, Uniting NSW.ACT subsequently scaled back the development by 20 percent by removing one building completely, removing the top floors from three buildings and reducing the size of two buildings on Altona Ave.

Spokesperson for the Bateau Bay Community Collective (Nareen Gardens Development), Erin Breneger, said this type of “vertical village” is suited to high density city or inner-city locations, not a coastal village setting such as Bateau Bay.

“As a community we feel completely let down by our Council, our local Members of Parliament and the Planning Panel’s decision to approve it,” she said.

“To say we are bitterly disappointed would be an understatement.

“There doesn’t seem to be any evidence that the Panel’s decision factored in our concerns or requests and the onus has been put back on Uniting to now conduct community consultation when we requested these requirements to be addressed as part of the determination.

“Bateau Bay will be changed forever – the quiet leafy tree-lined beach town will now be taken over by construction and harmful emissions for the next five years

“Shame on Central Coast Council and I truly hope developers don’t propose three or four storey buildings in any of their backyards.

“Anyway, all I can say is that we fought a good fight,” Breneger said.

The Regional Planning Panel’s Determination Report said they were satisfied the development would deliver a better environment for ageing in place requirements with 180 independent living units and a residential aged care home for 160 seniors.

The Panel acknowledged that more effective communication and consultation by Uniting earlier in the planning process could have alleviated community concerns.

One of the conditions of approval was that Uniting establish a communication/liaison strategy with the local community in recognition of concerns raised by the community, with a particular focus on the management of construction impacts.

Uniting Director Property and Housing, Simon Furness, said the community would be closely updated as the development progresses with planning for staged construction to start soon, including engaging a builder.

“Across the next decade, Uniting will be focusing on delivering excellent community services, designed to support people to age in place with comfort and dignity,” he said.

“These services are thoughtfully co-located, allowing residents to access the appropriate care as their needs change.

“Individuals can transition to residential aged care while living in the same community as friends and partners, or receive increased support in their independent living apartment.

“This design also includes a village green, barbeque area, children’s playground and resident clubroom.

“Uniting has designed these services to boost physical health and wellbeing, along with creating designated spaces for social connection. Residents will be able to enjoy meaningful interactions with local community members.

“As a purpose-driven organisation, Uniting will continue to prioritise the wellbeing and comfort of current residents and employees.

“Our purpose is to create meaningful communities where seniors can be genuinely cared for and age with dignity,” Mr Furness said.

“Uniting’s first priority is always to our residents, both now and into the future, and we’ve designed a village that will fulfil key needs on the Central Coast,” Furness said.

Sue Murray