Northern Beaches Council encourages locals to review the State Governments draft Frenchs Forest 2041 Place Strategy rezoning package released for public comment today.

The draft place strategy outlines how the state government will deliver the first stage of the town centre including 2,000 new homes, up to 250 affordable dwellings, around 2,000 new jobs, public open spaces, and easier walking and cycling connections.

In conjunction with the State Government’s rezoning package, Council is also exhibiting draft development controls and proposed amendments to Council’s Housing Scheme to ensure that we achieve the highest quality development and the provision of affordable housing.

Mayor Michael Regan welcomed the release of the draft plan.

“I encourage all local residents to review the information available, understand what it will mean for them and take the opportunity to have their say," Mayor Regan said. 

“This affects everyone differently. Some will be very positive, others not. It is critical you articulate your feedback to the State government for the best outcomes.

“Since Frenchs Forest was identified as a strategic centre, Council has been advocating for infrastructure that not only matches the planned growth but is put in place beforehand.

“I am pleased to see the commitment to 15,000 sqm of public open space and significant park upgrades locally that are identified and funded as part of this package. It includes 1.5 ha for the town centre, over $6million in upgrades to Brick Pit, Akora and Rabbett reserves as well as other improvements to local parks with more announcements to come.

“We will continue to work with the government to also see the proposed iconic green platform from the town centre across to the southern side of Warringah Rd realised, to deliver more green space and a B-line style interchange.

“The Dee Why to Chatswood B1-style express bus service is now in place, as we called for, and we will work with the government to deliver on what other infrastructure is needed to support an expanded service as the town centre is developed.”

Mayor Regan said the provision of affordable housing and sustainability had also been key drivers for Council working with the government on this project.

“We know how tough it is to afford somewhere to live locally, especially for our important key workforce. I welcome the commitment to 15% affordable housing in the town centre and 10% throughout the rest of the precinct," he said. 

“It’s also good to see confirmation that the housing in the new town centre will not be any higher than that of the new hospital.

“There is an opportunity to make sure this precinct is of the highest standard sustainably. We’d like to see high sustainability targets for both residential and commercial buildings.”

Mayor Regan said it was good to have a decision on the relocation of Forest High School.

“The new location makes sense for a new school, close to transport and other recreational facilities at Aquatic Reserve.

“It will be a relief for the local school community to have certainty on their new location and connect directly into Frenchs Forest Town Centre thanks to the additional infrastructure being built as part of this.

“The school will also be given larger student capacity. A win for a community that continues to grow.”  

The community can see the draft Place Strategy here and comment on Council’s draft Development Control Plan and draft Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme and Tenancy Guidelines here.