Neutral Bay: $24m plans revealed for North Sydney town centre
A popular retail and public transport hub in North Sydney could soon welcome a $24m development, featuring commercial and residential space. See the plans.
North Shore
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Neutral Bay’s town centre could soon welcome a six-storey mixed-use residential and commercial hub if a $24m development application receives the green light.
The proposed development for 165-173 Military Rd, Neutral Bay is located just off the Warringah Fwy on the corner of Military Rd and Wycombe Rd, which links the northern beaches to North Sydney and Sydney’s CBD.
Plans seek approval for the demolition of existing buildings on the site to construct a mixed use development which would include two ground floor retail tenancies, 21 residential units across five levels and three levels of basement carparking for 25 cars, five motorbikes and 11 bicycles.
Planning documents lodged with the application state the proposed development will help activate Neutral Bay, in line with council’s vision for the suburb.
“The proposal for the site is consistent with the future context of Neutral Bay Town Centre,” documents state.
“Establishing a strong corner to Military Rd and Wycombe Rd, with new retail spaces improve ground-level streetscape activation.”
Of the planned 21 residential units, 11 will be two-bedroom apartments, four will be two-bedroom plus study apartments, another four will be three-bedroom apartments and three will be three-bedroom penthouses on the top floor.
Project developers ‘Eastview’ previously lodged an application for the development on November 14 2022 which was rejected by North Sydney Council due to the lack of an access report, view loss analysis and a height variation request which would seek to increase the maximum building height from 16m to 21.84m.
A view impact assessment from the nearby residential apartment block at 140 Wycombe Rd found that vantage points of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the apartments would not be impacted by the proposed development, however views to the northern portion of Neutral Bay and Northbridge headland would have a minor view loss.
Planning documents state the proposed design of the building uses a material palette consisting of light-coloured brick podium, influenced by the local streetscape.
“The podium facade is articulated by the large picture window frames, with a strong rhythm of windows and solid brick panels,” the documents read.
“Robust materials have been chosen to respond to the harsh urban environment of Military Rd. The longevity of these materials will extend the building’s life span and maintain the quality of the facade.
“The proposed development aims to provide a high-quality architectural development respectful of the character of the area.”
The proposed development site was sold for $18m in February 2022 after receiving over 190 inquiries and 11 offers.
If approved, the total cost of the development is estimated to be $24,471,554.
Plans were lodged December 20 and are currently on public exhibition.
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