Bunnings Warehouse: First three-level store coming to Frenchs Forest, creating 800 jobs

A massive $48 million five-storey Bunnings has been given the go-ahead in this Sydney suburb. Find out both where and how the hardware giant will go high-rise.

An artist’s impression of a massive Bunnings Warehouse hardware and garden outlet — with three levels of retail — that has just been given approval on the northern beaches. Picture: Supplied

A massive five-storey $48 million Bunnings hardware store — with three levels of shopping — has been given the go-ahead.

NSW planning authorities have approved the retail warehouse at Frenchs Forest that’s set to generate up to 800 jobs on the northern beaches.

The store will be first time Bunnings will offer three levels of retail that includes

hardware and building supplies, an outdoor garden centre, cafe and a kids’ playground.

There will be two levels of parking for close to 400 vehicles.

An artist’s impression of the Bunnings Warehouse on the corner of Warringah and Allambie roads at Frenchs Forest. Picture: Supplied

Existing buildings on the site, near the intersection of Warringah and Allambie roads, including an Australia Post distribution centre and a two-storey office block, will be bulldozed to make way for the hardware haven.

The Bunnings development application, approved by the NSW Government’s Sydney North Planning Panel, would have been settled late last year, but for a disagreement between the hardware giant and Northern Beaches Council about safe vehicle access to the site from Allambie Rd.

The Australia Post distribution centre, which fronts Rodborough Rd, will be bulldozed. Picture: Manly Daily

There were concerns that due to the building’s proximity to the busy intersection of Warringah and Allambie roads, there were “potential road safety issues with merging vehicles and conflicts with pedestrians”.

An agreement has been reached to move the main driveway to Rodborough Rd, once traffic lights are installed at its intersection with Allambie Rd.

There was also another conflict over the size of the Bunnings Warehouse logos and signs, as well as the building’s predominantly green colour scheme.

An artist’s impression of the original proposed facade of the Bunnings at Frenchs Forest. The retailer was asked to reduce the size of the logo and signage as part of the approval process. Picture: Supplied

Bunnings will reduce the size of the logo by 33 per cent on Rodborough Rd, remove a number of hammer logos from the rest of the building and restrict the amount of green paint is used on the facades.

The opening hours will be finalised closer to opening.

The development is expected to generate 700 new jobs during the construction phase and then 135 full time and part time vacancies once Bunnings starts serving customers.

Bunnings Regional Operations Manager, Alan Harvey said the company was pleased to receive approval for the new multi-level Bunnings Warehouse.

“The new store is expected to create over 130 team member jobs, as well as additional jobs throughout construction,”Mr Harvey said.

“Spanning over 20,000 square metres, Bunnings Frenchs Forest will be the first store in NSW to have three levels of retail, with on-site parking for almost 400 cars.

“While it is too early to confirm an opening date, we look forward to providing a wide range of home and lifestyle products to the Frenchs Forest community.”