Minister for Planning Rob Stokes announces $9m cycle and walk recreation space for Frenchs Forest
Following the opening of the Northern Beaches Hospital, Frenchs Forest is expected to have a sizeable population increase in the coming years — and now there is an announcement regarding walking and cycling amenities in the area.
The State Government is spending $9 million to create a huge recreation space to cater for the expected population boom in Frenchs Forest.
Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater and Minister for Planning, announced the funding for a cycling and walking track through bushland north of the Northern Beaches Hospital.
The funding has been announced with the expected population boom following the imminent rezoning of the Frenchs Forest Town Centre Precinct.
“There will obviously be a lot more jobs and homes in the area and this community will need access to open space,” Mr Stokes said.
“This is a very sensitive area so we are not looking at uses that would pose a threat to bushland. But there is potential there.”
Over the next few years work will start on the planning and building of a new town centre near to the Northern Beaches Hospital.
The new residential and medical hub will result in thousands of new people living and working in the area.
Although planning for the recreation space in its early stages, it is expected to include both walking tracks and bike tracks.
However, given the sensitivity of the land it is unlikely to include children’s play areas or sports pitches.
But Mr Stokes said he hoped the $9 million would go further so that some of the money could be used elsewhere in the area.
“Obviously there will be a period of consultation and I hope the $9 million will go even further and we can use it for other sites as well,” he added.
The Northern Beaches Hospital was opened last year but the land surrounding it is yet to be rezoned.
The council has signed off on the Frenchs Forest Town Centre Precinct but the State Government is yet to enact it.
Mr Stokes said it was difficult to estimate a time frame for approval, adding: “This is very important and we have to make sure we get this right.
“I understand there are some issues relating to road access being negotiated with the RMS and council.
“We have to get it right.”
The State Government will now meet with Northern Beaches Council to discuss the plans for the recreation areas ahead of public consultation.
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