Boathouse Group: Locals split over plans for $33m 3-restaurant complex at Terrey Hills

A Sydney-based hospitality business wants to add to its growing portfolio of eateries, but a $33m push for a 3-restaurant complex on the northern beaches has split the community. See the images.

An artist's impression of a section of the proposed $33m three-restaurant complex, which will cater for close to 800 patrons. Picture: H&E Architects

A bid to build a $33m restaurant complex at Terrey Hills has split the community.

The Boathouse Group, which already has 12 hospitality outlets from the Central Coast to Wollongong, want to open three separate eateries on one semirural property.

It would be named “The Farmhouse, Terrey Hills”.

However a Northern Beaches Council “briefing note” to the state government’s Sydney North Planing Panel has revealed that support and opposition is divided down the middle.

Of the 43 public submissions received when the plans went on exhibition late last year, 22 backed the plan, while 21 wanted it scrapped.

The restaurants are planned for Terrey Hills. Picture: H&E Architects

The “Farmhouse” project comes just four years after the Boathouse group, under its previous owners, almost collapsed owing money to hundreds of creditors.

It is now owned by North Shore property developer brothers Ben and Jono Isaac and has cafes and restaurants including Manly Pavilion, Barrenjoey House, Mona Social, The Boathouse Shelly Beach and The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, under its umbrella.

The location of the proposed complex to be known as “The Farmhouse”. Picture: H&E Architects

Their company, Isaac Property Developments, bought the undeveloped 1.6ha site on Myoora Rd for $9.8m in 2022.

Planning documents state the complex would be made up of a “series of low-scale ‘farm-style’ restaurant pavilions set within a landscaped open space”.

“The Farmhouse” would include three licensed restaurants with outdoor dining areas.

More than 8300 plants would be added to the site, including 93 trees.

A basement car park would hold 156 vehicles and there would also be a children’s play area, pergolas and a stage as well as large lawn.

The community is split over the plans. Picture: H&E Architects

It would open from 7am-12am, seven days a week and cater to a maximum 794 patrons.

The three separate restaurant areas would offer “distinct dining experiences”.

According to plans, Restaurant 1 would “provide a casual dining experience” and have a “pitched roof reminiscent of a rural Australian shed”.

Restaurant 2, the primary food and beverage outlet, would provide a “relaxed, family-friendly dining offering with indoor and outdoor dining options”.

The complex would run 7am-12am, seven days a week. Picture: H&E Architects

“The outdoor dining terrace will be a protected space with landscaped pergolas alongside a small stage to provide ambient live music from midday to 10pm,” plans state.

Its design, including a bar, would be “reminiscent of the iconic Australian ‘wraparound veranda’.

Restaurant 3 would offer a “fine-dining experience” and include a covered outdoor dining area.

In his submission, Terrey Hills Progress Association president, Paul Davenport, raised several concerns while acknowledging that a “significant number of people are supportive” of the DA.

Concerns relate to traffic and noise from events at the site. Picture: H&E Architects

Mr Davenport suggested that noise would have a “potentially adverse impact on residents in this area, particularly if weddings and other functions are permitted at these locations”.

“We note the forecast traffic impact of an additional 135 vehicles per hour and the implication that this traffic would likely be disbursed on other local roads,” he wrote.

The Duffys Forest Residents Association supported the DA because it would provide more jobs for locals, but stated that issues about vehicle access from Mona Vale Rd, sufficient parking and potential noise impacts needed to be addressed.

Originally published as Boathouse Group: Locals split over plans for $33m 3-restaurant complex at Terrey Hills