Dee Why Beach: $11m bid to transform site of two eateries into up-market apartment block

An $11m bid to transform the site of two popular restaurants near a busy Sydney beach into a block of up-market “shop-top” apartments has been revealed.

An artist's impression of a proposed $11 million shop-top apartment building at the corner Pacific Pde and Griffin Rd, Dee Why. Picture: Platform Architects

An $11m bid to transform the site of two popular restaurants near Dee Why Beach into a block of up-market “shop-top” apartments has been revealed.

Owners of the land on the corner of Pacific Pde and Griffin Rd, just 150m from the beach, want to demolish the building that accommodates the JB & Sons burger joint as well as the Beach Burrito Co. Mexican restaurant.

If the development application (DA) is approved, the eateries which are both part of restaurant chains, will be replaced by a four-storey, triangle-shaped block containing nine units and two ground floor commercial premises.

Northern Beaches Council has opened the DA for public feedback.

Location of the proposed redevelopment of the commercial block, containing two eateries, into shop-top housing at 154-158 Pacific Pde, Dee Why. Picture: Supplied

The property, bought by developers Harrington Property in 2014 for $2.75m, once accommodated a laundromat, butcher shop, Indian restaurant and a real estate agency.

One of Harrington’s executive directors, Matt Davison, said on Tuesday it was possible that the two restaurants could seek leases in the new building if it gets the go-ahead by the council.

The JB & Sons burger restaurant on Griffin Rd, Dee Why. Picture: Edoardo Capriotti

The Beach Burrito Co. Mexican restaurant on Griffin Rd, Dee Why. Picture: Supplied

JB & Sons has two other local outlets at Manly and Narrabeen.

Mr Davison said the commercial premises would likely accommodate cafes or restaurants.

There would also be three affordable housing units, available to low to moderate income earners, included in the development.

“We wanted to create something that’s quite beautiful on that side of the beach,” Mr Davison said.

“We think we’ll be taking the level of finishes and the standard of development in Dee Why to a level not seen before.

An artist's impression of a proposed $11 million shop-top apartment building in Griffin Rd, Dee Why. Picture: Platform Architects

“It’s really a beautiful little building designed by Platform Architects at Manly.

“We’ve gone very up-market in what we’re planning to do. We haven’t cut any corners.”

Mr Davison said if the application was successful, the units – with views towards Dee Why and Long Reef beaches – would be aimed at local buyers looking to downsize.

“That’s the problem with the northern beaches, there’s a lack of really great products in the downsizer market,” he said.

Former premises at the location of the proposed redevelopment of the commercial block. Picture: Supplied

The block would include five 3-bedroom apartments as well as two 2-bedroom and two 1-beroom units.

A two-level basement car park will hold 14 spaces for residents and two set aside for visitors.

“As a local, it’s a bit of a passion project for me,” Mr Davison said. “I wanted to see something on that sight that I’ll drive past for the next 50 years and be proud to see it.”