Masterplan changes - Uniting Waverley Estate

Key changes to the masterplan in response to community feedback:

The community identified the following priority areas of interest

How we have revised the masterplan

Affordable housing needed

Uniting commits to providing a minimum of 10% of all dwellings on the site as affordable rental housing.

Addressing traffic and parking impacts

The aim is to make the Estate more pedestrian friendly by taking the majority of parking and vehicles to the basement level.

The main service vehicle entry will be via Bronte Road with secondary entry/exit points off Birrell Street, Church Street, Carrington Road and Bronte Road. This will ease congestion in Church Street.

Shared pedestrian and vehicle zones for service drop-offs and reduced vehicular speed restrictions.

Traffic studies have shown minimal impact even at peak travel times.

Preserve the green space and trees

Uniting Waverley will respect and protect the natural environment by:

Implementing a tree replacement strategy that will increase the current tree canopy from 27% to over 40%
More than doubling the amount of useable landscaped spaces on the Estate
Integrating the importance of connection to Country within the design
Including sustainable design and energy use features such as:
- Solar panels
- 100% electric system
- Energy efficient heating and cooling systems and appliances
- A rainwater reuse system for the gardens
- Electric vehicle charging stations.

These initiatives will contribute to Uniting’s operational target of net zero emissions by 2040. They will contribute to a Green Star – Communities rating.

The buildings have been redesigned and repositioned to:

Retain more established trees, including an additional major fig tree. More than 50% of the trees on the Estate will be retained. Overall, there will be:
- 115 trees retained
- 95 trees removed
- 201 new trees planted.
Provide larger gardens and a variety of landscaped areas with improved natural light.

Protection of historical areas

The gates on the corner of Birrell Street and Bronte Road will be restored.

A new landscaped garden will sit behind the gates and complement the entry. The gates will be capable of opening and allowing access into the Estate.

There is a plan for each heritage item.

Site security

Improved connection to the community by introducing safer and clearer entries with views into the Estate. The community will be able to see the main heritage precinct.

Wayfinding and accessibility

Wayfinding and accessibility have been improved with the inclusion of accessible pathways marked with lighting, signage and landscaping. These improvements will enhance the walkability of the Estate for residents and visitors alike.

Creating places for connection

The Uniting Waverley Estate has been designed to create a genuine sense of community. There will be more green open space and gardens for residents and the community to gather in and socialise. A café, play area and plenty of seating and gathering nooks for social connection are also proposed.

Value to the community

The revised masterplan is a solution that embraces the purpose of the Uniting Waverley Estate. Our purpose is to provide care and support to seniors and enhance their health and wellbeing.

We aim to celebrate heritage, legacy and connection to Country by enhancing the Estate through the design and landscaping. The proposal also aims to unify the Estate and provide more services and areas for the community to use.

The Estate and upper gardens will continue to be open for everyone.

You're always welcome at Uniting

Uniting values diversity of ability, age, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, intersex variation and/or gender identity and always welcomes everyone, exactly as they are.