The NSW government is rezoning the northern Sydney suburb of Frenchs Forest, releasing a draft place strategy that calls for a new town centre, 2,000 new homes and 1.5 hectares of new public open space.
Supported by an urban design study undertaken by Chrofi and Architectus, the 20-year strategy lays out a vision for a revitalized urban centre that will support new jobs and reduce the need for people to commute outside the Northern Beaches.
Key moves include the relocation of the Forest High School to 187 Allambie Road in the adjoining suburb of Allambie Heights and the creation of a town centre around the school, which will include 1,000 new dwellings with 15 percent to be classified as affordable housing. The remaining 1,000 homes will be located in surrounding “transition areas.”
The homes will include apartments in blocks of up to 12 storeys, townhouses and terraces.
A concept image from Chrofi and Architectus’ urban design study.
The town centre will incorporate the new Northern Beaches Hospital, designed by BVN.
Planning minister Rob Stokes said the houses and town centre would support a predicted population growth of 39,000 new residents by 2036.
“Frenchs Forest is a popular area which has grown significantly in recent years and this strategy outlines how we can help fast-track approximately 2,000 new homes and provide the infrastructure and services needed,” he said.
“The Frenchs Forest plan is about providing more employment on the beaches so our community doesn’t have to travel vast distances for work. A town centre next to a brand new hospital is an incredible opportunity for more jobs where people live.”
In their urban design report, Chrofi and Architectus lay out how the design will carry forward the essential characteristics of the place. “These include capitalising on its elevated topography to provide outlook over the city, revitalising the forest, and retaining elements of Forest High School to acknowledge the social impact of 60 years at this site,” the document states. “Other aspects of the site’s history including Aboriginal heritage, timber getting, orchards and brick pits can be interpreted and become elements of the public domain.” The Gayamaygal and Garigal people are the traditional custodians of the Northern Beaches.
The draft strategy is on public exhibition until 3 September.
