A new lease of life for church site

January 2007

St Peter's Catholic Church site in Mowbray Road, Chatswood West may soon be home to a new Community and Aged Care facility. The site was put up for sale last year by the Diocese of Broken Bay.

Rev Vince Casey, Parish Priest of Catholic Parish of Chatswood said, "The site was originally intended to become a new parish but a different approach to planning means this will not happen. It has served the local parishioners well but it is time to find another use for the land.

"We received a proposal from Catholic Healthcare and their partners Greengate Property Group to create an innovative community and aged care facility that will serve to continue the Catholic mission in the area."

In announcing the start of the planning phase of the project today, Mr Chris Rigby Managing Director of Catholic Healthcare said, "We are looking at a range of aged care and seniors living accommodation options for the site and we welcome input from the local community in helping us further understand what kind of service is needed in this area. Our vision is to create a community that meets the long-term care and support needs of older men and women living in Chatswood and surrounding areas.

"At Catholic Healthcare, we seek to create welcoming, homelike and nurturing residential aged care communities that respect the dignity and enrich the lives of those people we serve."

Willoughby City Council is investigating the incorporation of a library and community centre into the project. Willoughby Mayor Clr Pat Reilly said, "A 2003 Council Study of community facilities in the City of Willoughby recommended a multi-purpose community facility for Chatswood West. Council has identified the needs of the Chatswood West community and our Property Strategy is addressing these needs. We are keen to see everyone work together towards a great community outcome for Chatswood West."

Andrew Sweeney Director of Greengate said, "A number of community engagement events are planned over the next few months including surveys, meeting with local residents and information forums. We want to make sure that the project is well planned so that it incorporates the right mix and design of aged care and community facilities."