Rock climbing plans revealed for former IGA in Freshwater
The commercial future of Freshwater remains uncertain — with the former IGA now set to be transformed into a rock climbing centre.
The commercial future of Freshwater remains uncertain — with the former IGA now set to be transformed into a rock climbing centre.
Meanwhile the proposed new IGA supermarket across Albert St remains on hold with legal issues unresolved.
The IGA in the Freshwater Village Plaza closed in October last year leaving locals with nowhere to get their fresh groceries.
There was renewed hope when a development application was submitted for the old site. However, the application is for an indoor rock climbing centre.
The plans, lodged with Northern Beaches Council, propose a new facility called Skywood Climbing.
The centre would have multiple indoor climbing walls, a warm-up area, change rooms and toilets. It would be open from 6am to 10pm in the week and 9am to 10pm at the weekend.
The plan has roused strong feeling in the community with the council already in receipt of 20 letters of objection and 10 in support.
“This is a village community which has already lost its only supermarket,” Freshwater resident Lauren Richardson said.
“We would like to see another supermarket/fruit and veg market or deli. Not a climbing centre that really offers nothing to the local community.”
Lyndsay Hendry, from North Manly, added: “The village needs grocery options not rock climbing.”
However, there is support for the facility with many stating the mental and physical health benefits of the soon-to-be Olympic sport.
“The northern beaches is already known to have some of the healthiest people in Sydney, and its activities like this which lead the way,” Curl Curl’s Darian Woods said.
“Don’t let the nancy no no Nimbys of Freshwater, who very likely have never been to
a gym let alone climbing one, stop the continued development of this safe space,” Jason Lister of Balgowlah Heights added.
It comes as the building across the road, which was expected to house a new supermarket, remains empty.
The Cremorne-based Corellas Group signed off on the site back in 2012 and were due to open an IGA in the new-build in 2017. But two years on and they are yet to move in.
The delays have been caused by various legal issues.
“The desire to open is still there,” the Corellas Group’s lawyer Mark Love said.
“We are working very hard towards a solution that would permit us to enter the premises and commence trading at the earliest possible time.”
He said some building work had to be finalised which he estimated to cost between $300,000 to $400,000. He said the Corellas Group was happy to fund the work.
“We could start work this week,” Mr Love said if all legal issues are finalised.
“It would then be about six to eight weeks before we could be open and trading.”
The property developer, Chris Rose, of FW Projects, declined to comment.
Peter Harley, president of the Friends of Freshwater group, said locals are “eagerly awaiting” any progress on the new IGA.
“We are very concerned at the situation. We were living with the expectation that we would have somewhere to buy our fruit and veg by now.
“It is at least encouraging to hear to the Corellas Group is still interested.”
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