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 ageing 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 has been to gather information about the Village, the site and surrounds. RSL LifeCare has done this by working with technical experts and consultants, who have carried out investigations on the site and reviewed existing records and reports. We have also drawn on the principles we developed with the RSL ANZAC Village Community in 2023. All of this work has helped us to understand opportunities and constraints in the Village and has defined where in the Village the renewal works will take place.

Is RSL LifeCare prioritising profit over its true and traditional purpose?

RSL LifeCare is a profit for purpose charitable organisation, committed to supporting veterans and seniors. Founded in 1911, the organisation has grown to serve over 13,700 people across retirement villages, residential care homes, home care services and veteran & family hubs across NSW and the ACT, while staying true to its mission: to enrich the lives of veterans and seniors. Any surplus made is directly invested in delivering services and support to veterans.

The Renewal Project is not about commercial expansion or profit—it’s about renewing ageing infrastructure, improving care, and creating inclusive spaces that reflect what people value today. Every decision is guided by RSL LifeCare’s founding values of compassion, dignity, and respect. The organisation continues to reinvest in its communities, ensuring that veterans and seniors have access to safe, supportive, and purpose-built environments.

Co-create Design Process

What is the co-create design process?

RSL LifeCare adopted a co-create design process to involve residents, veterans, team members, and other stakeholders in shaping the future of RSL ANZAC Village. Through a series of workshops and a public engagement program held between February and August 2025, participants contributed their insights and ideas to inform the Village Renewal project. Residents were recognised for their unique understanding of the Village and were invited to help contribute to the design – not only of new buildings, but also the experiences, services, and community features that would define the Village in years to come.

Feedback has been collected through various channels, including in-person visits to the Village Information Hub, online platforms, email, and phone. All input was reviewed and considered in the development of the Renewal Project plans, with updates provided to show how community voices influenced the outcomes. Information has been shared regularly via newsletters, resident committee meetings and community forums, ensuring transparency and continued involvement throughout the process.

Overview Project Timing

How long will the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal take?  

We anticipate the full RSL ANZAC Village Renewal Project to take over 10 to 15 years 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 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 team members. Initially, the TLC and pool will be affected as they will 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? 

All Village residents will receive ongoing communication about the Renewal Project via email, Residents newsletters and RSL LifeCare’s website. The broader community and near neighbours can stay up to date with the project via RSL LifeCare’s website.

 

Project Design

How many new homes will be built?

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.

Stage 1 is planned to deliver seventy eight (78) Residential Living apartments and seven (7) Residential Living townhouses.

Over the next 15 years of the Masterplan development, we anticipate staged delivery of approximately 490 Retirement Living homes and Veteran homes and 100 Residential Care beds. This increase will be offset by the staged removal of a number Retirement Living Homes and Residential Care beds. The net increase will be approximately 430 Retirement Living and Veterans homes, 50 Residential Care Beds at the end of the masterplan. The final number of homes and beds will be refined through the detailed development application of each stage.

The mix of Retirement Living homes and Residential Care Beds reflects government and consumer shift to people living independently, in their homes longer with care support as needed.

Will homes for veterans be part of the Renewal?

Yes. Veterans will always be part of the community at the Village. RSL LifeCare will provide new veterans housing as part of the Renewal. RSL LIfeCare is also progressively investing in the existing veteran accommodation.

Will there be affordable housing?

The Renewal Project will offer a mix of housing options to suit different needs and budgets. New homes will be priced in line with market rates.

Affordable housing will be prioritised for our Veterans.

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

Yes, we are considering the provision of new aged care homes. In stage 3 of the masterplan Phyllis Stewart is proposed to be replaced with a new purpose built facility of approximate 100 Residential Care beds.

As part of the RSL ANZAC Village Renewal, a new generation of housing is also 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 home like. 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.

Will the character of the RSL ANZAC Village change?

A key approach to the redevelopment of the Village is to maintain and enhance the existing amenity of the site while increasing the number of homes. With increased building height the building footprints are reduced, surrounding land can be consolidated into purposeful landscapes for residents to enjoy, and view lines can be created through the site into the surrounding bushland.

The majority of building designs proposed are mid-rise, between 2-8 storeys. A number of mid-rise buildings already exist on site such as Villers Bretonneux and Gallipoli.

Key urban design principles of the masterplan have included: reduce the height of buildings towards neighbouring streets, reduce building site coverage to open up the ground level for more greenery and

landscaped gardens, bring nature further into the village and create communal spaces with high natural amenity.

New building heights and size have been carefully considered to balance the existing, surrounding and future character of the Village. Building designs will also be carefully designed with a mix of materials to blend into the natural setting.

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, upgraded fire safety measures and new building footprints. It is currently anticipated that approximately 500 trees will be removed on a staged basis over the life of the masterplan. We will endeavour to retain trees where we can and for every tree removed, 1.5 new trees will be planted.

What is the impact to the environment?

As part of the development application we need to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is a document detailing the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of a proposed project. A range of reports will be provided to assess the environmental impact of the development and suggest appropriate mitigation measure. Below is a sample of the reports we are currently preparing as part of the development.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Bush Fire Assessment Report

Statement of Heritage Impact

Conservation Management Plan

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report

ESD Report

These will all be available to the public once the development application has been lodged.

How will traffic and parking be considered?

Traffic generation for retirement villages are significantly lower than traditional residential development. Car ownership rates are lower, especially in residential care facilities.

The Renewal Project will include new basement carparking for residents and visitors, ground level parking near key residential community facilities, a dedicated multistorey staff carpark, increased village bus services and improved pedestrian paths to encourage walking.

Relocation Process - Current Residents

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

Residents requiring relocation to accommodate the Renewal Project will be notified through a face-to-face meeting and a follow-up letter.

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. As these situations are identified during the masterplan process, 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.

 

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

There are a number of reasons that existing houses are empty in the 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 internal 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 of the project.

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.

Budget and Financial Considerations

How are all these new building works being paid for?

RSL Lifecare will be funding the works progressively as the stages are developed.

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 has involved preparing detailed studies to assess the site opportunities and constraints and gather feedback from current and future residents, veterans, team member , and the community to shape the design. A team of consultants led by RSL LifeCare (including urban designers, architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners) have created a concept masterplan and identified the first stages of development. The first stage has been developed into a detailed design. The consultants are constructing a development application package with a range of reports (including an environmental impact assessment) that supports the concept masterplan and first stage of project 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.

How will I be able to give my feedback on the project once the Development Application has been submitted?

The Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure will place the project on Public Exhibition for the community to provide comments on. It is anticipated this will occur in early 2026.

Construction

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

The renewal will take place over 10-15 years 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.

Anticipated construction start times for each stage is identified below.

• Stage 1    2027
• Stage 2   2030
• Stage 3   2033
• Stage 4   2036
• Stage 5   2039

As you will appreciate, there are many factors that may influence the timing of the staging. The works program and timing 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 Village to accommodate the renewal. As these situations are identified during the development staging, 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.

What is being done to manage construction impacts?

Before construction commences the Renewal Project will prepare a Construction Management Plan that outlines how we will manage construction impacts such as:

• Noise
• Dust
• Traffic
• Parking

We will consult with the residents and the community as we get closer to the construction stage.

How noisy will it get?

Construction times will be considered to minimise disruption to residents. Excavation, which typically takes about six months, 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 access.

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 phase.

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.

How is safety being addressed throughout the project?

Safety is central to RSL LifeCare’s operations. All works will be guided by strict public and workplace safety protocols, including construction site fencing, signage, and supervision. The project team is committed to maintaining a safe environment for residents, team members, construction workers, visitors and construction workers at every stage.