Northern Beaches Hospital leaves surrounding residents ‘in limbo’ over precinct plan

There is growing frustration among Frenchs Forest residents — who live in the area surrounding the new $600m Northern Beaches Hospital — to stop delaying the release of rezoning plans which are expected to bring big changes to the area. Now there are theories why there has been a lengthy delay.

Frenchs Forest hospital plan rezoning artists impressions.

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Frustrated residents of Frenchs Forest have urged the State Government to release rezoning plans for their neighbourhood before Christmas.

The drawn-out process to announce the precinct plan for the area surrounding the $600 million Northern Beaches Hospital has left families “in limbo” since it was first supposed to be exhibited in March.

An artist’s impression of the council’s vision for a Frenchs Forest town centre. Picture: supplied

Now, with the hospital open, residents have questioned why the release of a plan supposed to be bringing more infrastructure and accommodation for medical staff has been delayed.

With an election due in March, caretaker mode would be in place from mid-January.

Residents such as Tim Pace fear the uncertainty they have had in the seven years since rezoning was first mooted will continue.

Mr Pace, of Karingal Cres, said residents needed clarity on the future .

“Let’s make a decision and let’s move on no matter what it is,” he said. “It’s been seven years. In that time a hospital has been built, half a billion has been spent on roads, much to the disturbance of the residents, but where is the accommodation and infrastructure that was supposed to be here for that new hospital?”

An artist’s impression of the council’s vision for a Frenchs Forest town centre. Picture: supplied

The structure plan put forward by the council in 2016 would have moved Forest High next to Warringah Aquatic Centre to allow a new town centre where the school sits. Mayor Michael Regan and Education Minister Rob Stokes said they were ready to go with largely unchanged plans.

Cr Regan said they were waiting on the Planning Department to release plans.

But Planning said it was waiting for Education to announce the school’s location.

Mr Pace suggested that the politicians who oversaw the project had lost control.

Tim Pace in his backyard on Karingal Crescent in Frenchs Forest. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Damian Shaw

“We don’t know whether the tail is wagging the dog or the dog is wagging the tail,” he said.

“It seems as though the public service is controlling what happens.

“They are deciding they are not going to do anything for the time being because there is an election coming up, in case the Coalition isn't in power.”

Gladys Ave resident Alicia Beachley said her family had its life turned upside down.

“Everything from roadworks, catastrophic changes to the way we are living, no water, no power, no internet,” she said.

“My commute to my Balgowlah office was 10 minutes, now it takes an hour due to the road changes.”

She questioned why the plans were being stalled.

“The plan was originally due to be released in March, then it was revised to June, then September, then they revised it to October,” she said.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

“Now they are saying it may not come out this year, if it doesn't come out this year we go into caretaker mode.”

Cr Regan urged the government to get on with the job. “The State MPs and their ministers have great announcements to make that benefit our community for generations, why wait?” he said.

“Everyone knows the basics of the plan — it’s the worst-kept secret.

“The residents and businesses want certainty and so does council.”

A Planning NSW spokesman said the location of the new school needed to be announced before the precinct plan could go on exhibition.

“This is a significant precinct for the local community and it’s important to ensure the future infrastructure needs and school needs of the area, and the time frame of the relocation, are confirmed before plans for the new town centre are released for community feedback,” he said.