Neutral Bay: Big Bear Shopping Centre redevelopment plans released
One of the lower north shore’s busiest shopping centres is set for a $26 million expansion, prompting concerns over traffic congestion, noise and height impacts on surrounding homes.
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An overdue upgrade of one of the busiest shopping centres on the lower north shore has taken a step forward with new plans unveiled for a $26.9 million redevelopment.
The Big Bear Shopping Centre in Neutral Bay has released a proposal to add two levels of commercial and retail space to the site along with outdoor terraces and a public plaza.
The project is the first major revamp of the site since 2004 and also includes new alfresco dining areas, landscaping works and bus waiting zones on Military Rd.
The complex – which draws its name from the region’s association with the North Sydney Bears football team – would also have expanded office space within the Aurecon building located at the site.
Plans include 19 new and existing shops on the ground level, new public walkways and redesigning the layout of Neutral Bay Medical Centre and Pharmacy.
Updated proposals were released last month after initial plans prompted concerns from Transport for NSW, North Sydney Council and surrounding residents over potential impacts including traffic, noise and the scale of the building.
Transport for NSW had called for car access to be shifted from Military Rd to Ernest St in a move to “maintain network efficiency and road safety” along the congested thoroughfare.
Latest plans, however, propose retaining Military Rd access, stating the development would not proceed without it due to the inconvenience of shoppers having to “travel along Ben Boyd Rd and Ernest St” to reach the site.
Plans show the redeveloped complex would stand 32.5m tall and have a total of seven levels with more than 2600 sqm of new retail/commercial space.
The proposal noted impacts on existing Sydney Harbour views from surrounding properties including apartments on Sutherland St but stated the majority of the Sydney Harbour Bridge would still be visible from units.
The Sydney North Planning Panel has supported the project, stating it was in line with plans to encourage retail growth along the Military Rd corridor.
If approved, the centre would operate from 6am to 11pm Monday to Wednesdays, to midnight on Thursday to Saturdays and to 10pm on Sundays.
A report by the planning panel supported the project on conditions including a $127,899 contribution to North Sydney Council to fund public infrastructure works.
The project is the latest planned shopping centre and supermarket expansions on the north shore with other plans including a redeveloped Woolworths supermarket in Neutral Bay, a new Aldi and Coles due to open in Lane Cove in June and a proposed Woolworths Metro outlet in Mosman.