Church revises plans for Hillcrest retirement village

By Michelle Neathercote
Wollongong City Council will this month consider a revised development application for the Hillcrest retirement village in Stanwell Park.
Alistair Carlin, the Acting District Manager (Sydney South) of owners the United Protestant Association of NSW, said “significant” changes had been made to the original development proposal.
“We have reduced the number of dwellings and relocated them further north to help reduce the likelihood of traffic going up to the station,” he said.
“While the previous proposal was aimed at the over 55s, we are now moving towards a more hospital type set of self-care units with better access, wider driveways and facilities that will cater for residents over 60 years.
“We are also finalising reports regarding the area’s flora and fauna and new rural fire specifications.”
The amended proposal will have buildings of lightweight construction “to blend in with the surrounding areas” and the area around historic Hillcrest House has been opened up with more green space to make it more visible.
“Stanwell Park is such a sensitive and beautiful area and, while there have been a lot of rumours going around about our intentions, we are a Christian charity that is trying hard to be a good neighbour and achieve a fair and balanced outcome,” Mr Carlin said.
Shortly after her election in 2004, ward councilor Alice Cartan visited Hillcrest to gain a better understanding of what was being proposed and to hear community concerns about the site’s future.
“It sounds like the local concerns have had some effect on the plans that were originally put in,” Ms Cartan said.
“They have dealt with issues raised in the original objections, including overcrowding near Hillcrest House and wanting to maintain the area’s nice open feeling.
“The new proposal doesn’t look overly enormous and out-of-place now that there are setbacks, not as many dwellings and more trees.
“I will be asking Council’s engineers to look at the traffic issue because traffic will always be an issue for Lawrence Hargrave Drive, especially when the road re-opens because of tourism and the number of trucks.”
Cr Cartan said she would also be supporting an informal planning conference for community members to voice their comments on the new plans.
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DA changes for Hillcrest
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UPA has confirmed that a number of the existing 20 cottages have become empty “through natural attrition” but no residents have been forced to leave. The remaining residents would be offered accommodation in the new development.
The United Protestant Association has been involved with Stanwell Park for many decades, both with Hillcrest House and the Kennett House low-care hostel facility on the northern beach headland.
“We already have a list of people who are interested in living at Hillcrest as there are limited local opportunities for this type of independent aged care in this area,” Mr Calder said.
However, on the topic of footpaths, he said council needed to tread carefully.
“There are significant heritage concerns in Stanwell Park and footpaths could impact on the local topography and vegetation which is very sensitive,” he said.
Anyone interested in participating in the planning group should contact Michelle Grosvenor on 4294 8822, 0408 618 700 or email michelle.g@ozemail.com.au.