Project Details

What is the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal?

The RSL ANZAC Village Renewal is a long-term project being planned by RSL LifeCare.

The reimagined RSL ANZAC Village will be a destination that honours its history, celebrates the present, and delivers a future where every resident – whether veteran or senior, has access to the lifestyle, care, resources, and opportunities they need to live a fulfilling, independent life.

The Renewal will include the construction of new roads and pathways, new homes and community spaces within the existing RSL ANZAC Village Narrabeen. Plans for the Renewal are underway and Residents, Veterans, future Residents and the surrounding community are invited to join RSL LifeCare in shaping a place where you and your family will always feel at home.

Why are you proposing to renew the RSL ANZAC Village?

Since being founded in 1939, the RSL ANZAC Village has grown in stages to meet the changing needs of our residents and the community. Many of the buildings   are aging and do not meet consumer expectations or current accessibility standards.

RSL LifeCare is intentionally designing the Village as a whole, to better connect our village and provide accommodation and services that consider health, wellbeing and choice for now and into the future.

Our vision is to build an even more vibrant and welcoming community – a place where people come to honour history and embrace the future, and where you can connect, enjoy life and access care when and how you need it.

What is the first step in delivering the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal?

The first step in delivering the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal is to gather information about the Village, the site and surrounds. RSL LifeCare will do this by working with technical experts and consultants, who will carry out investigations on the site and review existing records and reports. You may see some of these consultants out and about in the Village over the coming months.

We will also draw on the principles we developed with the RSL ANZAC Village Community in 2023. All of this work will help us to understand what can and can’t be done in the Village and will define where in the Village the renewal works will take place.

Co-create Design Process

What is the co-create design process?

We are adopting a co-create model by involving residents and other stakeholders as partners in the design process, for better decision making, to improve project outcomes, strengthen community networks, and create a well-considered future design and place to live. This program is happening now until July 2025.

We appreciate that the people living, working and visiting RSL ANZAC Village have a wealth of knowledge about the existing Village, the challenges, opportunities and ideas on what it could be in the years to come.

As residents, we appreciate you have a unique understanding of the site and can contribute to the design of not only new homes but also the experiences, services and community attributes.

How can we get involved? 

A public engagement program is being undertaken by RSL LifeCare from February to June 2025. The purpose of this is to gather feedback from existing residents, veterans, future residents, team members, and the community, to ensure the Village Renewal meets the needs of our community now and in the future.

RSL LifeCare have held a series of Co-Creation Workshops, where residents, community and veterans were invited to help us shape the future of RSL ANZAC Village.

How can I provide feedback on the Village Renewal project? 

You are also welcome to provide your feedback:

In person by visiting the Village Information Hub on the ground floor of the Gallipoli building

Online via the Online Information Hub.

You can also visit the Renewal Project website: RSL ANZAC Village Renewal

You can email us email: [email protected]

You can call us on phone: 1800 941 230

What will you do with the feedback I provide? 

All feedback will be reviewed and considered as plans for the Renewal Project are developed. Your feedback will help to shape the Renewal Project plans, and you will be updated on how your views have influenced the project.

Where can I find out more about the Renewal Project?

Residents will be kept informed through regular updates via Resident Committees, the Village Voice newsletter, a dedicated monthly Renewal Project Newsletter called Reimagining the Village and program-specific mailouts.

Community Information sessions forums will be held for the broader Community to register and attend, and talk to the Project team about the project, to ensure everyone can participate and have their voice heard.

The local community can also learn more about the Renewal Project by visiting the Village Information Hub on the ground floor of the Gallipoli building. The Hub features a visual representation of the development, copies of all updates, and, at designated times, a staff member available to answer your questions. We have also created a dedicated website for updates.

What happens after the site information is gathered and the public consultation has begun?

Before work on the Renewal Project can begin, RSL LifeCare requires Development Approval.

Based on the site opportunities and constraints, input from existing and future residents, discussion with veterans, key stakeholders, and consultation with government agencies, a team of consultants (including urban designers, architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners) will start to finalise a masterplan for the site and identify the first stages of development.

These will be worked up into a Development Application package which will then go through a Development Approval process. RSL LifeCare are planning to submit a Development Application in late-2025.

Overview Project Timing

How long will the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal take?  

We anticipate the full RSL ANZAC Village Renewal Project to take approximately a decade in total. The Village Renewal will be delivered in stages. The duration of each stage of the Village Renewal will vary.

When will construction start? 

Subject to development application approvals and RSL LifeCare approvals, construction of the first stage of the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. We will keep you informed of the timing as we progress through the design and planning process.

Will any services be impacted that are currently in operation? 

We will endeavour to minimise the impact of the renewal on residents, site services, and staff. Initially, the TLC and pool may be affected as they are likely to be replaced in the first stage. Temporary or permanent alternative locations are being considered for most activities, and we will share these options with you soon for feedback.

How will I be kept informed of the program of work? 

The works program and timings will be updated and shared progressively as more detailed and accurate information becomes available.

I live in RSL ANZAC Village, what should I expect?

RSL LifeCare is committed to minimising the impact of the renewal on residents, services, and team members. As we progress through the design and planning process we will keep you informed of any future impacts from works or operations to the village.

Project Design

How many new homes will be built and how many more people will the RSL ANZAC Village accommodate? 

RSL LifeCare is committed to the provision of seniors and veteran housing with diverse housing options to meet people’s varying financial, social and wellbeing needs. There is a widespread shortage of housing in NSW, particularly purpose-built seniors housing.

The exact number of new homes is still being considered for retirement living, and residential care homes. Information will be shared progressively as more detailed and accurate information becomes available throughout the design process.

 

Will new aged care facilities be built as part of the Renewal Project? 

We are considering new aged care homes. As part of the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal Project, a new generation of housing is being investigated-designed not just for where people live, but how they live as they age. At the centre of this are two key models being explored and investigated by the project team: the Serviced Apartment and the Small Household residential care model.

The Small Household residential care model is-an emerging best-practice approach to residential care. Unlike traditional aged care, these homes prioritise a home like environment. Each household supports 8–12 residents, each with private bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms and with shared kitchen, dining, and living areas.

Both models reflect a shift in aged care: from institutional to personal, from static to adaptable. They are designed to support ageing in place-not just physically, but socially and emotionally. As these concepts evolve the Village is moving closer to a care model that feels less like a traditional aged care facility-and more like home. We look forward to sharing the design with you as it evolves.

Will the bushland and trees/landscaping in the RSL ANZAC Village be preserved? 

There are two main zoning types at RSL ANZAC Village. SP1 (Seniors Housing and Health Services Facility). This zoning applies to most of the established areas within the Village. It allows for seniors housing and related uses with development consent.

The second zoning type is C2 (Environmental Conservation). This zoning applies to most of the surrounding bushland areas. C2 land is continually assessed for bushfire risk and tree removal may occur periodically as part of this process.

The renewal area is planned within the SP1 land, retaining the C2 land for the surrounding bushland. There will however need to be trees removed within the SP1 development area due to realignment of roads and new building footprints. We will endeavour to retain trees where we can and replace tree loss with newly planted trees. We will inform you of the tree removal plans as we progress through the detailed design, this will be included as part of the development application process.

Relocation Process

How will I be notified that I will need to be relocated? 

Relocations will be managed on an individual basis. As these situations are identified during the masterplan process, we will hold one-on-one discussions with the affected residents to adequately address their needs.

In accordance with Retirement Villages Act (NSW) 1999, we will offer alternative accommodation of the same standard or better than the current accommodation and there will never be no greater financial outlay than the resident’s existing residence contract.

How much notice will I be given before relocation?  

In accordance with Retirement Villages Act (NSW) 1999, residents will be given a minimum of 12 months’ written notice before relocation, with most receiving more than a year of notice. The development application must be lodged before we can give notice to affected residents.

Will I be provided with relocation options? 

Yes, relocations will be managed on an individual basis. One-on-one discussions will be held with affected residents to ensure their needs are adequately addressed, and appropriate options will be provided.

In accordance with Retirement Villages Act (SW) 1999, we will offer alternative accommodation of the same standard or better than the current accommodation and there will never be no greater financial outlay than the resident’s existing residence contract.

Will the relocation cost me money? 

No, the relocation will not cost you any money.

Will the relocation have an impact on my existing resident agreement? 

No, your existing resident agreement will remain unchanged. All terms will be honoured.  Think we need to check this with legal as I understand that their existing contract will be terminated and they will sign a new agreement but any terms in favour of the resident will be transferred to the new agreement.

Why are so many existing houses in the RSL ANZAC Village being kept empty? 

There are a number of reasons that existing houses are empty in RSL ANZAC Village.

As people vacate their homes they need to be refurbished so they can be resold. Refurbishments can be small or large, from a repaint of the interiors to structural changes and alterations. Appropriate assessment, engagement of contractors, and physical works need to be undertaken, which can take some time.

Additionally, houses that may be demolished through the Renewal or are close to the Renewal boundary are not being resold until there is certainty on the design.

We are conscious that a group of vacant units can cause some anxiety in relation to safety and security and the lack of community.  We are considering various options to mitigate these concerns whilst balancing any unnecessary refurbishment costs.

Annual Village Budget

How are all these new building works being paid for?

RSL LifeCare will be funding a large portion of the new works required as part of the renewal.

Will existing residents be paying for new amenities for future residents through an annual increase in the recurrent maintenance charges? 

RSL LifeCare are responsible for all capital costs which includes new buildings and upgrades to existing buildings.  The resident recurrent charges (annual budgets) will be carefully reviewed and managed to ensure an equitable outcome for both current and future residents, based on the buildings and services provided.

In accordance with the Retirement Villages Act (NSW) 1999, an increase in recurrent charges above CPI requires a special resolution and at least 75% consent by residents. RSL LifeCare are open to having further discussions with residents about additional services and how these would be funded.

The current arrangements will remain in place. Existing residents will be consulted and have a say before any decisions are made.

Planning Process

What steps are involved in the planning process? 

Before work on the Renewal can begin, RSL LifeCare requires development approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI). Approval is being sought through the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) planning pathway.

The planning and design process involves preparing detailed studies to assess the site opportunities and constraints and gathering feedback from current and future residents, veterans, staff, and the community to shape the design. A team of consultants led by RSL LifeCare (including urban designers, architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners) will create a concept masterplan and identify the first stages of development. The  first stage will be developed into a detailed design. The consultants will construct a development application package with a range of reports (including an environmental impact assessment) that supports the concept masterplan and first stage of development. This development application package will then be submitted to the DPHI, which will review it, share it publicly for community feedback, and make a decision on its approval.

RSL LifeCare is aiming to lodge the development application with DPHI by late-2025. It anticipates that development assessment and resolution could take approximately 12 months after submission.

Who is responsible for approving the proposed changes at RSL ANZAC Village?  

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure is responsible for approving the proposed changes at RSL ANZAC Village. It is a NSW Government Agency.

Why is this project considered to be State Significant Development (SSD)?  

A project can be classified as State Significant Development (SSD) due to factors such as its scale, impact, capital investment value, strategic importance, location, complexity, environmental significance, and community or public interest.

This project is classified as SSD primarily because its capital investment value exceeds the minimum threshold required for this designation.

What is the current zoning of RSL ANZAC Village?

There are two main zoning types at RSL ANZAC Village. SP1 (Seniors Housing and Health Services Facility): This zoning applies to most of the established areas within the Village. It allows for seniors housing and related uses with development consent. While there are no specific limits on building heights or floor space ratios, any developments must respect the local character. C2 (Environmental Conservation): This zoning applies to most of the surrounding bushland areas.

Construction

How much of the RSL ANZAC Village will be in construction at any one time?  

The renewal will take place over a decade and with construction undertaken in stages, carefully planned to meet the needs of both current and future residents. Construction will likely occur one stage at a time, however there may be some overlapping. The works program and timings will be updated and shared progressively as more detailed and accurate information becomes available.

How will it impact my home? 

Some residents may need to relocate within the RSL ANZAC Village to accommodate the renewal. As these situations are identified during the masterplan process, we will hold one-on-one discussions with the affected residents to adequately address their needs. All reasonable relocation expenses will be paid by RSL LifeCare.

How long will construction take? 

The duration of each stage of the renewal will vary depending on the complexity of construction. Typically, a standard apartment building with a basement takes approximately 18–24 months to complete.

How noisy will it get?

Construction times will be considered to minimise disruption to residents. Excavation, which typically takes about six month, is the noisiest phase. Once construction moves above ground, noise levels are significantly reduced.

Will I still be able to get around the site on my scooter/ will the footpaths still be operational for walking?  

If construction temporarily impacts access to specific areas, alternative pedestrian and transport routes will be provided to ensure residents can move around the village safely and conveniently.

How will you manage the influx of vehicles from construction workers?  

The Construction Traffic Management Plan will include designated times for construction vehicle access to the site. Construction workers will not be allowed to park their private vehicles in the village, except within designated construction zones.

Will contractors be using the RSL ANZAC Village facilities?  

Dedicated onsite facilities will be provided for the construction workforce, including toilets, drinking water, washing facilities, and eating areas. Construction workers will be required to comply with directions from RSL LifeCare regarding which areas of the village they are permitted to use.

Who will be the point of contact for complaints during construction? 

All feedback and complaints can be directed through the existing RSL LifeCare complaints channels or via the Village Management team. We will inform you of the correct channels as we get closer to this stage.

Will there be an on-site manager for the Renewal Project who will provide updates as the project progresses? 

We are still in the early planning phase. Once we get closer to the construction phase, we will inform you of how we will provide project updates and any on site managers.