Frenchs Forest: Delayed plans for proposed new town centre finally released
Long delayed plans for a new town centre on Sydney’s northern beaches include 2000 new homes and bulldozing a high school and rebuilding it in the next suburb.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The long-delayed new draft plans for a “reinvigorated” town centre and a radical rezoning of parts of Frenchs Forest have finally been released to the public.
At least 2000 new homes — some in apartment blocks up to 12 storeys — are proposed as part of the “Frenchs Forest Place Strategy 2041”.
And it conformed that The Forest High School will be bulldozed and rebuilt in the adjoining suburb of Allambie Heights.
Residents and developers hade been waiting on the Department of Planning to release the final draft plan for the first stage of the town centre — designed to incorporate the new Northern Beaches Hospital — since March 2018.
The first draft of the precinct plan was exhibited in 2016 after authorities first mooted the idea in 2010.
The holdup was about finding a new location for the high school.
It will be built on Crown Land on Allambie Rd that was leased by the Cerebral palsy Alliance for its former head office.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the plan included more upgraded roads, more public space and more jobs.
Mr Stokes the planning strategy was needed to allow the area to support a predicted population growth of 39,000 new residents by 2036.
“Frenchs Forest is a popular area which has grown significantly in recent years and this strategy outlines how we can help fast-track approximately 2,000 new homes and provide the infrastructure and services needed,” he said.
“The Frenchs Forest plan is about providing more employment on the beaches so our community doesn’t have to travel vast distances for work.
“A town centre next to a brand new hospital is an incredible opportunity for more jobs where people live.”
Education Sarah Mitchell confirmed, as reported by the Manly Daily on Wednesday, that The Forest High School was moving to Allambie Heights.
“The new location of The Forest High School is a fantastic result for the local community with the school moving 1.5km into new, state-of-the-art facilities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The community will be able to provide feedback on the new facilities and I am incredibly excited about opportunities this project will offer current and future students of The Forest High School.”
The new plan details 1000 new homes in the proposed new town centre and another 1,000 in adjacent residential areas.
Homes will range from townhouses, terraces and apartments. There is provision for aged care dwellings as well as 250 homes for key workers such as nurses and paramedics.
If the plan gets the go-ahead, there will be 1.5 hectares of new public open space including a 1,665 sqm plaza in the town centre.
The Government said no new buildings in the proposed town centre would be higher than the hospital.
The council will receive Council with $6.16m from the NSW Government to upgrade three local parks – Brick Pitt Reserve, Akora Reserve and Rabbett Reserve.
Mayor Michael Regan said he welcomed the release of the plan and that the council was also exhibiting its draft development controls and proposed amendments to its Housing Scheme to “ensure that we achieve the highest quality development and the provision of affordable housing”.
“I encourage all local residents to review the information available, understand what it will mean for them and take the opportunity to have their say,” Mr Regan said.
“This affects everyone differently. Some will be very positive, others not. It is critical you articulate your feedback to the State government for the best outcomes.
“Since Frenchs Forest was identified as a strategic centre, Council has been advocating for infrastructure that not only matches the planned growth but is put in place beforehand.
“We will continue to work with the government to also see the proposed iconic green platform from the town centre across to the southern side of Warringah Rd realised, to deliver more green space and a B-line style interchange.
To view the draft strategy and provide feedback until September 3, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/frenchsforest
Go to the council’s draft Development Control Plan and draft Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme and Tenancy Guidelines here. https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/french-forest-precinct
More to come.
More Coverage
Aussie quartet make sailing history with win in women’s America’s Cup
For the first time in 174 years Australian women have set sail in an America’s Cup. How the quartet on Andoo Australia are faring as the Pool B Racing begins.
Future Olympians! Try-fectas, close calls in Next Gen 7s battles
There were blowouts, close calls, a hot boot and multiple try-fectas in the opening round of the Next Gen Sevens rugby series in Sydney. Stars, great photos and Rd 1 result wrap.