A development application has been lodged with Randwick City Council to change the use of the former St Basil’s aged care facility in Kensington into a place of public worship and community facility, enabling the relocation of Saint Andrew’s Theological College.
The application relates to 95–99 Todman Avenue, Kensington, a site previously operated as a nursing home and closed in early 2024.
Submitted on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the proposal seeks approval for a change of use only, with no external building works or demolition proposed.
Planning documents state the premises will be used for theological education, small religious services, and administrative functions, with peak occupancy limited to around 25 people. Larger worship services will continue to be held at the Archdiocese’s cathedral in Redfern.
The site is zoned R2 Low Density Residential, where places of public worship and community facilities are permissible with consent. Existing parking provisions and building height will remain unchanged, and supporting studies conclude the proposal would have minimal traffic, noise and heritage impacts.
As first reported by The Greek Herald, the relocation of Saint Andrew’s Theological College was announced in December 2024. The Kensington site was previously operated by Castellorizian Aged Care.
The application is currently under assessment by Randwick City Council.
