Harris Farm defends plans for new retail outlet on Sydney’s north shore
Harris Farm is defending major plans to create a new retail outlet called ‘The Farm’ on Sydney’s north shore amid opposition from residents and local councillors.
North Shore
Don't miss out on the headlines from North Shore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Harris Farm is defending new plans to build its 23rd store in NSW amid backlash from residents and councillors on Sydney’s north shore.
Revised plans for a new fresh food market in Turramurra have opened for public feedback after receiving initial support from the Department of Planning last year.
Plans show the development would include a food market, fishmonger, cafe and basement carparking at 45-47 Tennyson Ave and 105 Eastern Rd.
The project would also bring a slice of country life to the shopping strip through features including a fruit orchard, vegetable garden, homestead and hanging herb gardens.
But opinions among locals are mixed, with a petition in favour of the project signed by more than 830 people while a social media group opposed has gained 1100 followers.
Critrics argue the project could impact businesses in the Eastern Rd Shopping Centre and result in traffic congestion on surrounding streets.
Harris Farm co-chief executive Luke Harris said revised plans were designed to create a “shopping experience” for residents.
“We’ve designed the project with our neighbours in mind – it will be local fresh food centre with a cafe and orchard for the family to come and relax,” he said.
“We don’t want to make enemies or make people’s life worse, in fact we add to the area.
“It’s not going to a supermarket where people fight over toilet rolls, people will be able to come in have a cup of coffee and pick up some fresh food.
“We want to create an experience for shoppers.”
Revised plans include site-specific planning controls developed by Ku-ring-gai Council that involve retaining critically endangered Blue Gum trees at the site and a condition the development is “cohesive” with the character of the town centre.
Mr Harris said traffic studies show car movements would be within RMS guidelines and believes the proposal could boost surrounding businesses by encouraging shoppers to the area.
The proposal also includes a cafe, nursery, florist, and independent fish and chicken shops.
Ku-ring-gai Council said planning controls for the site were aimed at creating “greater assurance of future development outcomes on the site.”
Plans are open for feedback until April 3.
If approved, construction is due to begin next year with doors opening in 2022.