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$98-Million Private Hospital Brings Advanced Care to Terrey Hills

A new $98-million private hospital is now open in Terrey Hills, delivering advanced medical and surgical care to Sydney’s northern beaches community.

Opening Marks a Major Milestone

Wyvern Private Hospital, located on Myoora Road in Terrey Hills, admitted its first patients on 2 December 2024, following nearly two years of construction. The facility, which features 85 beds, eight operating theatres, and specialised units, aims to address the growing healthcare needs of the region, particularly its ageing population. Full capacity is expected to be reached in 2025, with an operational ramp-up planned after the Christmas period.

The hospital has been under development by Australian Unity’s Healthcare Property Trust, which secured a 30-year lease with Wyvern Health to operate the facility. It is part of a $3.9 billion investment in healthcare infrastructure to support communities across New South Wales.

Wyvern Private Hospital Terrey Hills — *Photo Credit: Wyvern Private Hospital/Facebook*

World-Class Facilities in a Bushland Setting

The hospital will provide a wide range of services, including spinal surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic procedures, interventional cardiology, and pain management. Additional facilities include a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, radiology equipped with CT, MRI, and ultrasound, and rehabilitation services such as a hydrotherapy pool and gym.

Designed with patient comfort in mind, the hospital features floor-to-ceiling windows offering bushland views, a rooftop garden to reduce stress, and a café. The inclusion of a 148-space car park and 15 consulting suites ensures accessibility for patients and staff.

A Boost for Local Employment

The hospital is set to employ around 150 people, including 22 doctors and 69 nurses, when fully operational. While staff recruitment is ongoing, the facility has enough personnel to manage its initial intake of patients. Hospital CEO Carol Bryant expressed confidence in meeting the community’s healthcare needs, citing strong interest from local doctors in using the hospital’s facilities.

Australian Unity’s Chris Smith emphasised the long-term value of the hospital, noting its alignment with the area’s healthcare demands and its role in supporting investors through stable returns.

Meeting Northern Sydney’s Healthcare Needs

Wyvern Private Hospital addresses a pressing need for advanced healthcare in the northern beaches, particularly for older residents. Dr William Sears, Chair of Wyvern Health, stressed the importance of offering world-class care in a convenient, local setting. He said the hospital’s focus on delivering high-quality services extends to patients, staff, and the environment, with a commitment to enriching the surrounding community.

The facility’s combination of state-of-the-art equipment, specialised services, and a serene location makes it a significant addition to Sydney’s healthcare system.

Published 29-Nov-2024

Public Comment Sought on Revised Belrose Manor Plans

Modified plans for the Belrose Manor, an upmarket, 99-bed aged care facility have been released for public comment, more than seven years after it was first proposed.

Read: Belrose Faces Potential 117-Lodger Boarding House Expansion Amid Local Opposition

Regis Aged Care, an ASX-listed aged care provider is seeking approval for $306,000 worth of changes to the northern beaches development, which would see the number of beds decrease from 105 to 99.

The modifications include alterations to floor plans and refinements to the dementia garden and ground floor courtyard. The proposal also calls for the removal of four previously approved visitor parking spaces.

This latest adjustment comes after a complex approval process spanning more than seven years. The project’s journey began with an initial development application in 2017, which proposed demolishing an existing six-bedroom house at 181 Forest Way to make way for the four-level facility.

That application was withdrawn, and a subsequent proposal in 2018 was rejected by the Sydney North Planning Panel, citing concerns about overdevelopment and building height.

Local residents had raised several objections to the development, including the removal of 45 trees from the property, potential noise impacts, privacy concerns, issues with lighting, and increased traffic in the area.

However, the developer secured approval through the Land and Environment Court in October 2020. In his ruling, Commissioner Timothy Horton granted exemptions to building height and setback requirements, stating he was “satisfied that the development standards are complied with.”

The commissioner specifically noted that the development would “not disrupt the skyline when viewed from Narrabeen Lagoon or the Wakehurst Parkway” and determined it aligned with “the desired future character of the locality.”

Read: $40-Million Belrose Development Approved After Long-standing Legal Battle

The property was purchased in September 2021 for $14.15 million, with development approval already in place.

The approved Belrose Manor facility features a dedicated 25-bed dementia wing with ocean views, and includes numerous amenities such as a café, hair salon, and multiple dining areas with a private dining room. The development will also house lounge areas, outdoor terraces, a commercial kitchen, and laundry facilities.

The public has until November 28 to comment on the proposed modifications to the development plans.

Published 23-November-2024

TradeMutt Work Shirts Spark Mental Health Conversations in Belrose

Brightly coloured TradeMutt work shirts and reusable water bottles sold at Bunnings Belrose are helping tradies across Australia access free mental health counselling, with over $600,000 raised nationwide this year to fund vital support services.

Colourful Shirts Funding Free Counselling for Tradies

Since 26 July, the partnership between Bunnings, TradeMutt, and mental health organisation TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) has been making waves in communities like Belrose and beyond. By selling TradeMutt’s distinctive shirts and water bottles, the initiative has funded hundreds of free counselling sessions for tradies and their families through TIACS’ early intervention mental health services.

Founded in 2020 by TradeMutt co-creators Ed Ross and Dan Allen, TIACS offers no-cost professional counselling aimed at addressing mental health challenges faced by blue-collar workers. To date, TIACS has delivered over 13,000 counselling sessions, thanks to ongoing support from this collaboration.

Designed to Start Conversations

The eye-catching TradeMutt shirts and water bottles are more than just merchandise; they’re tools to encourage conversations about mental health. By wearing these items, tradies are prompted to speak openly about issues that are often stigmatised within the construction industry.

Bunnings Director of Operations and Commercial, Ben Camire, emphasised the importance of making mental health discussions more accessible for workers. He noted that the initiative is helping tradies feel more comfortable seeking help by using these bright designs as conversation starters.

Expanding Reach Through Community Support

More than 10,000 TradeMutt shirts and 15,000 water bottles have been sold in Bunnings stores across the country, allowing TIACS to extend its support to communities that might otherwise go without. The partnership’s success has been particularly felt in areas like Belrose, where locals are showing strong support for the cause.

TradeMutt co-founder Dan Allen credited Bunnings for helping their message reach tradies in remote and regional areas. The partnership has enabled TIACS to provide much-needed mental health services to those in the trade industry, many of whom work in high-pressure environments with little access to support networks.

Limited Stock Available in Belrose

For those in Belrose, a limited number of TradeMutt shirts are still available for purchase at Bunnings for $45. Locals are encouraged to grab a shirt to contribute to the cause while also sparking conversations that could make a real difference in the lives of tradies and their families.

Published 20-Nov-2024

Major $33-Million Restaurant Complex Proposed for Terrey Hills

Sydney hospitality business Boathouse Group has announced plans for a $33-million, three-restaurant complex at Terrey Hills, marking a major development for the area’s dining and community scene.

The Boathouse Group, a well-known hospitality operator in New South Wales, has detailed its vision for a new restaurant destination named The Farmhouse, Terrey Hills.

Set on a 1.6-hectare property on Myoora Road, the complex will house three separate dining venues, each designed to offer distinct experiences. The property was purchased in 2022 for $9.8 million by the group’s development company, Isaac Property Developments, led by North Shore brothers Ben and Jono Isaac.

Design and Features

Plans submitted to Northern Beaches Council (DA2024/1362) describe a “farm-style” complex with pavilions and landscaped open spaces intended to blend with Terrey Hills’ semi-rural surroundings. The proposal includes over 8,300 new plants, with 93 trees and 18 palms adding to the site’s natural aesthetic. The Farmhouse will feature an underground car park for 156 vehicles, a large lawn, pergolas, a stage for live music, and a children’s play area.

The complex will comprise three restaurants, each with its own style. The first will offer casual dining in a space inspired by a classic Australian rural shed. The central restaurant will provide a relaxed, family-oriented setting with both indoor and outdoor areas, featuring a bar and outdoor terrace for live music from midday to 10 pm. The third restaurant aims to deliver a fine dining experience with a covered outdoor section.

40 Myoora Road The Farmhouse Terrey Hills — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

Community Impact

Documents submitted with the development plan suggest that The Farmhouse is intended to enhance the community feel of Terrey Hills by providing a new space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Boathouse Group committed to creating a welcoming environment, stating that while the offering would be of high quality, it would retain a casual, accessible atmosphere. The new venue will operate from 7 am to midnight, seven days a week, and is expected to accommodate up to 794 patrons at maximum capacity.

Project Background

The Boathouse Group currently operates 12 locations across New South Wales, including popular sites such as Manly Pavilion and The Boathouse Shelly Beach. This latest project comes as part of a resurgence for the company, which nearly collapsed four years ago under previous ownership, owing more than $21 million to creditors. The Isaac brothers have since taken ownership and overseen the group’s expansion, bringing it back into financial stability.

The development application for The Farmhouse will be available for public viewing and input from October 28 for three weeks, allowing the community to review and comment on the plans.

Published 6-Nov-2024

Belrose Faces Potential 117-Lodger Boarding House Expansion Amid Local Opposition

A proposal has been submitted to the Northern Beaches Council to expand a boarding house complex in Belrose, which could increase the number of residents on the site to 117.

The development application (DA2024/1256), lodged in late September 2024 by Chatswood-based property construction company Vigor Master on behalf of the landowner, outlines plans to build two new unit blocks on Bundaleer Street.

The proposed $8.75 million development includes 45 single rooms spread across two-storey buildings, which would join an existing boarding house already housing 72 lodgers. The existing complex was established in 2017 on a 1.6-hectare plot in this semi-rural part of the Northern Beaches.

Previous Application and Opposition

The current plan follows a previously rejected application from August 2021, which sought approval for a 31-room boarding house on the same site. In June 2022, the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel refused that application, citing concerns that the project would be an “overdevelopment” of the semi-rural area.

Local residents and community groups have voiced strong opposition to the latest proposal. Neighbours, along with the Belrose Rural Community Association and Garigal Landcare, argue that the expanded development would exceed local housing density limits and disrupt the area’s character. They highlight the importance of maintaining the semi-rural environment, with some residents pointing out that the surrounding bushland serves as a wildlife corridor for native animals.

Bundaleer St Belrose — *Photo Credit: Vigor Master*

One local stated that the existing boarding house was already unsuitable for the area and that they did not want a repeat of this type of large-scale development. He and others argue that the expansion would further strain the area’s housing density controls.

Conny Harris, president of the Belrose Rural Community Association and head of Garigal Landcare, also raised concerns about the environmental impact. In a written statement, she noted that the scale of the proposed development is much larger than other residential properties in the area and is “out of character” with the surrounding community. The site is located opposite Covenant Christian School, adding to concerns about how the development fits within the local setting.

Developer’s Position

Despite the opposition, Vigor Master promotes the existing and proposed boarding houses as “studio apartments” set within a lush bushland environment. According to the developer, the complex offers a balance of natural surroundings and modern amenities.

The documents submitted with the application describe the new unit blocks as including 28 single rooms in one building and 17 in the other, each with communal living spaces and kitchen facilities. Most rooms would also feature private balconies, and 30 parking spaces would be provided in a basement carpark.

Published 23-Oct-2024

Officeworks Opens New Store at HomeCo Belrose as Dee Why Location Set to Close

In a significant move for Northern Beaches shoppers, Officeworks opens its newest 1,800-square-metre store at HomeCo Belrose.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

The opening comes as the retail giant announces plans to relocate from its iconic Dee Why location. The new store marks the company’s 171st outlet nationwide and reinforces Officeworks’ commitment to sustainable business practices.

Local resident Andrew Mattes, who will manage the Belrose location, emphasised that the recycling station would provide a convenient solution for the community to dispose of both outdated electronics and everyday office supplies, including toner cartridges, pens, and markers.

The retailer’s environmental credentials are impressive, with more than 11,000 tonnes of materials collected through their Bring it Back and tech trade-in programs since 2015.

“By keeping products and materials in use for longer through repair, reuse, and recycling, we can make a positive impact on the environment and transition to a more circular economy,” they stated in their website.

The new location at HomeCo Belrose positions Officeworks within a broader retail precinct specialising in furniture, homeware, furnishings, electronics, home entertainment, and outdoor living essentials. Customers can find the new store on Level 2 of the complex.

This opening, last 23 October, coincides with the planned closure of the Dee Why outlet, currently housed in a heritage-listed building at 800 Pittwater Road.

The 75-year-old former factory building has been a landmark location for Officeworks in the Northern Beaches area. However, the site has been chosen for St Luke’s Grammar School’s new Senior School Campus.

The $20 million campus, which will feature a performing arts theatre and an indoor pool, is anticipated to be complete by 2031.

Read: Terrey Hills Garden Centre to Be Bulldozed for $14-M Redevelopment

For local shoppers, the new Belrose store promises to maintain Officeworks’ comprehensive range of office supplies, technology solutions, and educational resources while introducing enhanced sustainability features.

Published 22-October-2024

From Terrey Hills to Paris: 51-Year-Old Shane Rose Oldest on Team Australia

Photo Credit: shane.rose.eventing/Instagram

Equestrian Shane Rose, who began riding at age five in Terrey Hills, has become the oldest member of Team Australia at 51, securing his spot in the Paris Olympics despite suffering 19 bone fractures in a horrific training accident just four months ago.

In March, Rose was schooling a young horse over jumps at his property in Werombi, southwest of Sydney. The 550kg horse clipped a hurdle, causing Rose to fall and the animal to land on top of him. He was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries, including fractures to his elbow, pelvis, ribs, and spine.

Road to Recovery

Despite the severity of his injuries, Rose never wavered in his determination to compete in Paris. Within days of the accident, he began working on a 100-day rehabilitation plan. After a month of being confined to bed and a wheelchair, Rose moved to Canberra to undergo treatment at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Rose expressed his unwavering positivity to the press, noting that he had only experienced two or three brief moments of doubt during his rehabilitation. He explained that these fleeting concerns about his recovery were quickly replaced by renewed determination, often by the very next day.

Controversial Costume Incident

Prior to this incident, Rose made headlines for a different reason when he rode a horse wearing only boots, a helmet, and a bright orange G-string at a fancy dress show-jumping event. This led to a brief investigation by Equestrian Australia, with Rose temporarily barred from competition.

He explained that his intention was simply to make people laugh. Ultimately, Rose was cleared of any wrongdoing, with Equestrian Australia finding he had not violated any rules. The incident sparked public support for Rose, with some riders posting pictures of themselves in mankinis in solidarity.

Return to Competition

In early June, just 85 days after his accident, Rose made a triumphant return to competition at the Melbourne international three-day event in Werribee. A month later, he was named to the Australian team for Paris.

Shane Rose Terrey Hills Paris Olympics — *Photo Credit: Shane.Rose.Eventing/IG*

Rose’s resilience has impressed medical professionals. He recounted his initial discussion with one of his surgeons, who estimated it would take 10 to 12 weeks before Rose could walk again. Rose admitted that upon hearing this prognosis, he briefly considered seeking a different doctor, highlighting his determination to recover more quickly.

Olympic Aspirations

With two silver medals and one bronze from three previous Olympic Games, Rose remains driven by the pursuit of gold. He acknowledged his competitive nature and his desire to be the best in the world. Rose expressed his hope that Paris would finally bring the elusive gold medal that has so far eluded him and the Australian equestrian team.

Published 14-July-2024

Terrey Hills Garden Centre to Be Bulldozed for $14-M Redevelopment

Sections of a popular Northern Beaches garden centre in Terrey Hills is set to be bulldozed as part of a $14-million redevelopment plan.

Redevelopment Details

In 2023, plant nursery chain, Flower Power, won approval to redevelop its longstanding store at Terrey Hills despite a concerted local community pushback. The revamped complex, known locally as Bond’s Nursery on Mona Vale Rd, will be expanded to include new retail areas such as a fruit shop and pet shop leased to tenants and new cafes.

Terrey Hills Garden Centre — Photo Credit: DA2023/1224

Flower Power, Australia’s largest retail garden centre chain, stated that the massive makeover was prompted by the ageing state of the current building which “no longer met customer needs.” Sections of the current complex, taken over by Flower Power in 1998, would be demolished, according to documents lodged with the development application – DA2023/1224.

Terrey Hills Garden Centre location — *Photo Credit: DA 2023/1224*

Community Concerns

Local residents have been lobbying planning authorities for more than two years to halt the expansion due to concerns about increased traffic and noise, pedestrian safety around nearby Terrey Hills Public School, and negative impacts on the nearby bridle (horse) trail.

An original redevelopment application was lodged in early 2022 but was withdrawn in November of that year. An amended DA was lodged in September 2023 and was approved in June 2024.

There were 83 submissions opposed to the DA. All submissions were received prior to the amended plans and documentation received by Northern Beaches Council in April. In its assessment report, the council noted that the amended plans “represent a lesser environmental impact.”

Local Opposition

Paul Davenport, president of the Terrey Hills Progress Association, wrote in a submission that there were concerns with the effect of increased traffic on residents and the local road network due to the closure of access from Mona Vale Rd. He highlighted that the Myoora Rd driveway was “within metres of a bus stop, used by public and school buses daily, and immediately opposite a primary school.”

David Harris, secretary of the Duffys Forest Residents Association, added that local roads were “not suitable to handle the heavy trucks and a large volume of traffic that will enter and exit the centre”, putting the safety of the entire community, particularly children, at risk.

Impact on Bridle Trail

Duffys Forest resident Leah Walsh expressed concerns with the safety of horses and riders using the bridle trail adjacent to Cooyong Rd.

“As a horse owner, I do not support any modification to the DA that will obstruct the Bridle Trail. I understand that this is proposed to be a temporary measure during redevelopment, however, I do not support any disruption which impacts the safety of horse riders using this trail to access JJ Hills Memorial Reserve Pony Club Grounds.”

Approval and Future Plans

Flower Power stated in DA documents that the existing outlet no longer had sufficient capacity to meet the company’s business model, which “seeks to provide a range of complimentary uses as part of the garden centre.”

The centre will trade from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week, reducing to 5: 30 p.m. during the winter months.

Published 24-June-2024

$40-Million Belrose Development Approved After Long-standing Legal Battle

After an extensive legal battle, the developers of a $40-million residential project in Belrose have received approval, following substantial amendments to the initial proposal.

The Land and Environment Court has finalised a lengthy dispute by sanctioning a scaled-back version of the initially ambitious mixed-use development planned for 28 Lockwood Ave.

The new plan discards elements like the gymnasium and commercial car wash, instead focusing on 49 dwellings and increasing the parking availability to 238 spaces, compared to the previously planned 190.

These changes were instrumental in addressing the council’s concerns over height, bulk, and traffic impact, which initially led to the project’s rejection (DA 2019/1427).

Northern Beaches Council initially refused the development application citing 18 different grounds, predominantly related to the proposed building’s scale and potential impacts on local amenities and public opinion. Significant alterations to the design during the court appeal satisfied the council’s appointed experts, leading to a reassessment and eventual approval by the commissioner.

Despite the legal approval, the development continues to face opposition from the Belrose community. Residents express concerns that the increased dwellings will strain local resources and significantly alter the area’s character.

Here’s a timeline of key events related to the Belrose development saga:

2017

Northern Beaches Council sells the 5,332 sqm block at 28 Lockwood Ave, formerly home to the Belrose Library, to fund a modern library nearby. The site had become an eyesore and was attracting vandalism.

January 2020

The Northern Beaches Council rejected plans for a $44 million redevelopment of the old library site. Platinum Property Advisers’ proposal included a five-storey shop-top project with 51 apartments and a gym. The rejection was due to incomplete proposals and requests to exceed the maximum permitted building height.

April 2020

The initial proposal for the $40 million mixed-use development at 28 Lockwood Ave is submitted, featuring retail space, a gymnasium, a commercial car wash, 51 apartments, and 190 parking spaces.

2020-2023

Prolonged legal and planning disputes, involving multiple amendments and community consultations. The project faced strong opposition from local residents and was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the council.

April 2024

After substantial amendments, the Land and Environment Court approves a modified version of the development plan. The approved plan now includes 49 dwellings and 238 parking spaces, but omits the gymnasium and commercial car wash.
Northern Beaches Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel endorse the amended proposal, after initial refusal based on 18 different grounds concerning the project’s scale and impact on the local community.

The development’s approval marks a contentious but decisive step forward in utilising the 28 Lockwood Ave site.

Published 23-April-2024

Controversy Brews as Terrey Hills Shooting Range Seeks to Extend Hours

Did you know that the Peninsular Firearm Academy in Terrey Hills plans to drastically change the shooting range’s operational hours? After ten years of operation, the Academy wants to expand from one Sunday session per month to five sessions per week, including an evening session, and some locals are not happy with the proposed change.

Under the new plan, the shooting range would be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extra session on Wednesday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., if authorised. In order to minimise noise disturbances to nearby households, the proposal contains an 85dB noise restriction.

The 500 participants of the Academy would be accommodated and existing site constraints would be addressed in the proposed plan.

The increased use of the facility would put it in line with other outdoor recreational pursuits, including lawn bowls, equestrian sports, skateboarding, and go-karting, according to plans presented to Council.

Neighbours of the range have expressed worries about noise pollution, the consequences it may have on the environment, and possible repercussions on property prices.

Tony Garland, Chairman of the Academy, maintains that the main source of the resistance comes from people who have not even been to the premises and that have been no responses to his requests for residents to view the institution in order to alleviate their concerns.

He said that the Academy is dedicated to encouraging target shooting as a sport and the responsible use of firearms inspite of the controversy.