Crows Nest Futuro tower: Business to fight development

Developers have billed it as a ‘landmark’ building which will add luxury to a north shore suburb. But not everyone is sold, with one business owner vowing to fight plans.

The sight of construction activity in Crows Nest shows no signs of ending anytime soon with plans released for the suburb’s next skyscraper.

A row of shops at 378-390 Pacific Hwy would be turned into a 24 storey tower with 104 units and retail areas under plans by developer Futuro.

The 180m tower would stand 11 times taller than the current 16m limit and include three storeys of commercial space, landscaping works and rooftop gardens.

A concept plan of the development.

There would also be an amenities level which Futuro stated would be “dedicated to providing a high quality communal open space” including a pool, entertainment area, gym and outdoor seating that would provide “future residents an added level of luxury”.

There are no carparking spaces in the current plans with residents instead expected to make use of the future Crows Nest Metro Station, located opposite the site and due to open in 2024.

The Pacific Hwy site is currently home to various businesses including medical companies, Vision Personal Training, Gino Nalini Photography and the Fancy That costume shop.

The tower would include shops and more than 100 units.

Scott Ireland, who runs the mixed martial arts gym Training Ground at the site, will also have to relocate under the development.

“When we signed the lease three years ago there was a development clause in it so we knew something like this might be coming one day,” he said.

“We’re hoping to stay as long as possible – all of our clients are in the Crows Nest area. The intention will be to ultimately relocate somewhere nearby.”

Fancy That Costumes is also facing relocation but owner Belinda Marsh said the business, which has been based in Crows Nest for 30 years, was not “going down without a fight”.

An overview of the development.

Ms Marsh said the business also took issue with the recently installed ‘for sale’ sign plastered on the row of shops during the sale to the developer, which she covered with brightly coloured balloons to avoid sending a message the costume shop was closing down.

“I’m hoping there’s a few good years left before we have to relocate and my goal is not to go quietly – it’s actually firing me up to keep a small business in Crows Nest and for businesses like ours to stay in the community,” she said.

“The future Crows Nest should not be about wind tunnels and massive towers in isolation.

“My business is quite unique – it’s a party in a box and a fun, uplifting place to come to. It’s businesses like ours that are the heart and soul of a community”.

A photo of the current site.

The development would be the last in a long line of high-rise plans for the suburb and recent zoning and height changes were approved under the St Leonards Crows Nest 2036 Plan.

The plan aims to create 6680 new homes and 16,500 jobs across the two suburbs over the next 15 years.

Futuro said the tower would be a landmark on the local skyline and the first viewed by cars and pedestrians on the southern end of the St Leonards town centre.

“The skyline of Crows Nest is beginning to transform, with the construction of Crows Nest Metro … being the key catalyst for the transformation,” the plans stated.

“The indicative concept realises the State Government’s vision to revitalise and rejuvenate the St Leonards and Crows Nest area.

“The site’s proximity to public transport would provide opportunities for residents to conveniently use public transport thereby reducing private vehicle trip movements.”

The proposal has been lodged to North Sydney Council and is currently under assessment.