Thompson Healthcare has received final approval for a $64.6 million upgrade of its Beecroft House aged-care facility in Sydney’s northwest, replacing the 1970s-era 77-bed home with a new 134-bed, three-storey complex. The State Significant Development permit covers a 7,911-square-meter site at 132–134 Beecroft Road, located 23 kilometers from the Sydney CBD and a one-kilometer walk from Beecroft railway station.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure granted the clearance, allowing demolition of the current building and construction of a facility designed by MDP Architecture. The project will be built by Northside Constructions, with environment architecture provided by TaylorBrammer. The new structure will feature three floors above a basement, with bedrooms distributed across five household wings: 29 on the ground level, 58 on the first floor, and 47 on the second.
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A heritage-listed Federation-style cottage on the property will be moved 20 meters away and converted into two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms before connecting to the main building. The total gross floor area will reach 11,799 square meters, including 1,122 square meters for parking, access routes, and other support spaces. The basement will include 55 car parking spots and an ambulance bay, with resident access through ground-floor or basement lobbies. Residents will benefit from expanded amenities, including communal lounges, dining areas, a function room, gym, café, cinema, and bar, alongside dedicated kitchen and laundry facilities. Nurse stations and serveries will be placed on each floor to improve staff efficiency.
The project’s total cost is listed at $64.646 million, with the main building component accounting for 10,677 square meters of the overall footprint. According to project documentation, 29 existing trees will be retained, nine will be removed, and 49 new trees will be planted, addressing earlier objections about environmental impact. Approval was not guaranteed.
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During the public exhibition phase, eight submissions were lodged, including six objections and one supportive comment, along with input from Hornsby Shire Council. Concerns focused on the building’s height, potential overshadowing of neighboring properties, tree removal, and stormwater management. Privacy issues and the relocation of the heritage cottage also drew criticism. Despite these challenges, the NSW government approved the project after reviewing measures to reduce negative effects, such as adjusted setbacks and enhanced heritage treatment.
Thompson Healthcare, a family-run operation led by Doug Thompson AM, has operated aged-care facilities in Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, and the Southern Highlands for over 50 years. The company operates Cheltenham House at 144 Beecroft Road, neighbouring the development site. That facility provides 78 high-care, permanent, and respite places. The Beecroft redevelopment responds to growing demand in the region, with Hornsby Shire’s aging population prompting calls for more specialized facilities. The project aligns with broader planning assessments identifying increased need for seniors housing in Sydney’s northwest, following the recent approval of TBG Senior Living Services’ 12-story Anthem Care development at 228–234 Pacific Highway, which combines aged care with retail and residential units.