A groundbreaking ceremony held on October 21 marked the official start of The Residences at Wahroonga Estate.
A joint venture between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and NSW property developer Capital Corporation, delivered in partnership with builder DASCO, the project comprises 128 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Wahroonga Estate precinct*.
The event was attended by Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay and NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard, along with representatives from the South Pacific Division (SPD), Sydney Adventist Hospital, Capital Corporation, DASCO and other stakeholders. It featured speeches, a dedicatory prayer by SPD president Pastor Glenn Townend, followed by the ceremonial groundbreaking and official photos.
Addressing those gathered, Ms Kay said the development would play an important role in helping to meet the region’s housing needs. “Situated within walking distance of the San hospital and close to the villages of Wahroonga and Turramurra, this is an ideal site to meet the growing demand for more housing,” she said.
“Importantly, residents will have convenient access to medical care and health services. This is especially important as we consider our ageing population. Recent estimates state that 24 per cent of residents in Ku-ring-gai will be over the age of 65 by the year 2041. We know that many people in our community are already looking to downsize to low maintenance apartments close to amenities and medical services. Projects like this one will help meet that demand.”
Mr Sherrard praised the quality and purpose of the development. “It’s never been more important that we’ve got housing for people in New South Wales,” he said. “This is the first groundbreaking that I’ve accepted in the 12 months I have been in the role and the reason is quite simple: we always want to recognise good when we see it.”
SPD CFO Francois Keet reflected on the project’s long journey, which began about 10 years ago. “I really want to start with God,” he said. “God has led this project from the start, and I do not believe we would have any reason to be here today if He was not part of that journey.”
According to Mr Keet, Capital Corporation was chosen as the Church’s development partner because its values closely align with those of the Church. “We wanted a partner with proven experience in delivering impactful, community-focused developments and their background just made them the ideal partner,” he said.
“Capital Corp has unlocked value in this estate to help us work towards our goals and mission. We are committed to future-proofing our mission by continually investing in facilities and amenities that meet the evolving needs of the community. This includes reinvesting funds in local initiatives such as healthcare, healthcare training, senior care and the provision of key worker housing. Through this approach the Church not only strengthens community infrastructure but also supports long-term wellbeing and social impact.
“The Residences at Wahroonga Estate is about more than just buildings,” Mr Keet added. “It’s about creating a new vibrant community. Through thoughtful design, integration with surrounding bushland and lifestyle-focused amenities, we are delivering a precinct where health, nature and connected living come together to embrace that village experience that Wahroonga is known for.”
Sydney Adventist Hospital CEO Brett Goods said the project would enhance the area and support the hospital’s mission. “We are really excited about this groundbreaking,” Mr Goods said. “[The Residences] will make a significant difference to the amenity of this location. Sydney Adventist Hospital is the largest employer in the Ku-ring-gai local government area and so whether it’s aged people who are wanting to downsize into apartment-type living, whether it’s employees, whether it’s our clinicians . . . we are just very excited about what this offers Sydney Adventist Hospital and how [it] will make a significant difference to Adventist healthcare.”
Capital Corporation managing director Jim Hunter said the combination of premium design, convenience and direct access to the San has proven to be a major drawcard. About 55 per cent of the initial release has been sold. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
*The 66-hectare Wahroonga Estate was acquired by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1898. It includes Sydney Adventist Hospital, Adventist Aged Care Wahroonga, two churches, Wahroonga Adventist School, Adventist Media, the SPD offices and a 31.4-hectare environmental conservation zone.
