Expressions of Interest sought for home of Silky Oaks Children’s Haven in Brisbane’s east

11 September 2024

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought to determine the future of a site ripe for development in Brisbane’s eastern bayside suburbs that has been the home of not-for-profit organisation Silky Oaks Children’s Haven for the past 78 years.

The 25,059sq m site at 218 Manly Road in Manly West is currently used to deliver child safety related services for children and teens, housing and homelessness support for individuals and families, and is also occupied by a 57-place early learning centre, an opportunity shop and a general practice medical facility.

The majority of the services will be relocated, with the exception of the early learning centre, which will remain on the site under the control of Silky Oaks.

Comprised of three allotments, the significant landholding has immediate development potential. Part of the site is currently zoned low density residential, while the early learning centre is zoned CF4 community facilities. Due to the size and location of the property, there is potential for a wide range of land uses (STCA).

Knight Frank agents Christian Sandstrom and Sam Biggins, have been appointed by the owner, Silky Oaks Children’s Haven, to run an EOI campaign for the site to understand its potential future use.

The campaign will seek submissions from interested proponents for multiple development outcomes with a preference for part or whole of the site to be offered on a long-term ground lease and/or outright sale, including a new purpose built 120-place early learning centre, that will adjoin Manly State School.

Mr Sandstrom said the sales campaign was expected to generate significant interest from potential occupiers and developers.

“The EOI process is targeting a range of different uses on the site including Seniors’ Living accommodation, residential, allied health and education operations, given its mixed-use zonings,” he said.

“The site, ideally suited to medium-rise projects, will be in high demand by both builders and developers given the shorter construction time frames, which are typically 12 to 15 months.

“Sites of this scale and development potential are very limited in this premium bayside suburb, so we anticipate strong interest.”

Mr Biggins said: “The property is being offered to the market for the first time in over 85 years.

“It occupies a premium ridgetop location with views overlooking Moreton Bay to the east and the Brisbane CBD to the west.

“The land is regular shaped and has two street access which allows for the site to be developed in stages.

“There are very limited sites in the eastern bay suburbs that afford the ability to deliver multiple development uses, so this property will attract interest from a wide range of parties.”

The EOI campaign for the property will close at 4pm on Thursday, October 17.