Forestway shopping centre expansion delayed as developer amends $114m
Residents have opposed plans to the $114m Forestway shopping centre expansion, as they share growing concerns over traffic congestion. But another twist in the long-planned upgrade has been revealed.
Manly
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Residents have opposed plans for a $114.3m expansion and revamp of the Forestway Shopping Centre but it looks like the development could be put on hold as amendments are made.
The proposal has gone back to the drawing board multiple times since the development application was submitted to the council almost two years ago, with some of the delays caused by “outstanding traffic and access matters raised” by Transport for NSW.
Residents concerns also relate to traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.
The proposal for the centre, located in Frenchs Forest, would involve “enhanced food and beverage” as well as new childcare services, a new medical centre, more shops, restaurants and office space.
The existing building is a single level structure with an Aldi and Woolworths, 45 specialty stores and banking services.
It would require demolition of the existing two-storey carpark, the east end of the centre and two single storey buildings on Russell Ave.
The project has been touted as a “well overdue renovation” to the centre which was built in 1964, with the new building containing a two storey basement carpark with 500 parking spaces, an additional 12,000sm of retail space, an expansion of two supermarkets, and adding two floors with rooftop parking to level two, as well as a recreation skypark.
Before a development application was submitted to the council the developer, Are Chemin De La Foret, had Elton Consulting seek feedback from the community which found residents said they had “very few concerns” about the additional floor space.
But it did note concerns over traffic congestion, particularly along Grace Ave which was referred to as “an ongoing issue to be addressed, with some concerns that an expanded and more attractive centre may add to this problem.”
Frenchs Forest residents Kristen and Isaac Bush wrote a public submission, stating they “strongly object”.
“This proposal will dramatically increase the traffic on Grace Ave resulting in not only more congestion but it also raises significant safety issues,” Mr and Mrs Bush wrote.
“Grace Ave is currently subject to heavy traffic flows and this traffic is already increasing
due to the new Northern Beaches Hospital.”
They also opposed the outdoor dining area over noise.
“The DA proposes an outdoor dining area across the road from our residence. It is proposed that this outdoor dining will operate to until 10pm.
“An outdoor dining area only a few dozen metres from our bedrooms will be a disruption to
our children’s sleep, as they are in bed by 7pm.”
Angus Donald shared similar views: “It is only logical that an upgraded shopping centre will
increase the daily traffic demand on all these suburban streets, as well as potentially endangering young children in the area who often cycle or walk on/near these roads,” Mr Donald wrote.
“While the upgraded shopping centre will be an excellent improvement to the community, I hope that there will be a more complete and effective traffic management plan for the residents of this area.”
Another Frenchs Forest resident Andrew Obsorne said the noise could be disruptive for a nearby school.
“How will the noise from building site of new development be mitigated- considering that French’s Forest Public School is directly next door to the site?” he asked.
“The prolonged road works upgrade have already had a significant detrimental impact on the school,” Mr Osborne said.
Resident Michelle Edwards said she saw both pros and cons to the proposal.
“While we welcome the suggested upgrades to Forestway Shopping Centre, which are well overdue, we have strong concerns regarding traffic management if Grace Ave is to become the main entrance and exit from the centre and strongly oppose this aspect,” Ms Edwards wrote in her public submission.
“The DA’s attached Traffic Report forecasts that the Grace Ave carpark entry will
see more than a 400 per cent increase in vehicle access.”
A spokesman for Are Chemin De La Foret Pty Ltd said changes were still being made to the project.
“A number of technical changes are being sought to an existing Development Application for the redevelopment of Forestway Shopping Centre,” the spokesman said.
According to the council, the proposal is ‘integrated development’ and requires consent from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Public submissions close November 4.