Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 6 of 6

John Colet School: Plan To Create New Classrooms Sparks Controversy

The $2.1-million plan to expand the John Colet School in Belrose has sparked controversy, with locals worried that the proposed development application will create more traffic in residential backstreets.

The development application for the expansion of the John Colet School in Belrose was first lodged in 2019, and it intends to increase the school’s capacity from a maximum of 255 students to 350.

If implemented, the proposed expansion involves the construction of two new classrooms alongside an art room. Despite this, Belrose locals are displeased with such plans. By taking up more space, the school would fail to keep in touch with the low impact and low-intensity land use philosophy the area adheres to.

One of the other primary issues concerning the development is that new classrooms would also reduce open space in the surrounding area. An increase in the school’s size would also fail to comply with the area’s building height and setback provisions.

The lack of on-site parking in the upgrade was also an issue. These expansions could potentially have a visual impact to the suburb, as well as adverse effects and disruptions in terms of traffic and parking.

The John Colet School can be found at 6 Wyatt Avenue, Belrose. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements.

Work Begins On New Shared Path In Belrose

Photo credit: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Getting around Wingara Reserve in Belrose will soon become a lot easier after the Northern Beaches Council announced that the construction of the Belrose shared path is finally underway.

The path would be approximately 400 metres in length and have a typical width of 2.5 metres. It will provide a safer walking and cycling route, allowing greater accessibility for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.

It will be constructed using a sustainable, eco-concrete material approximately 400 metres in length and three metres in width. Once complete, it will connect local streets with Glenrose Shopping Centre, Lionel Watts Reserve transport, and schools.

Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea said: “The new shared path at the Wingara Reserve ticks all the boxes for sustainability, healthy activity, and community connection and enhances the revitalization of the area around Glen St and the Lionel Watts Regional Sporting Facility.”

Final plan (Photo credit: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au)

Many locals support the plan, noting that it would improve access from nearby streets to the Glenrose Shopping Centre, be safer and easier for prams, scooters and mobility scooters and would encourage walking or riding instead of driving. It would also get foot traffic off the neighbouring streets and allow access in all weather.

On the other hand, some residents wanted to make sure their green spaces would be maintained and protected. Responding to this concern, Council said no trees are identified for removal and that they will add new tree plantings to enhance the existing native trees on the reserve.

This project is being delivered as part of the Northern Beaches Bike Plan, adopted by Council in July 2020, with a vision to create a safer environment for people cycling on both paths and roads.

Work began in the middle of February 2021. Based on Council’s timeline, the Belrose pathway should be ready for the community to enjoy in April 2021

In addition to the Belrose shared path, several other paths are expected to be completed in March, including the 400-metre shared path that will connects Allambie Shops through to Warringah Road and the 140-metre path through Catalpa Reserve, Avalon Beach between Central Road and the Appian Way.

For the latest updates about this project, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

Belrose Eats: Have You Tried Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria Special Lunch Menu?

If you’re craving for Italian comfort food, there’s a restaurant in Belrose that has been satisfying the locals for three years and counting.

Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria, located in Glen Street, is a family restaurant serving popular Italian dishes. The place may always seem packed but its busy atmosphere is a testament to its commendable food and service.

*Photo Credit: Stella Blu Kitchen & Pizzeria Glenrose Village/Facebook*

The pizzeria is run and managed by Nick Salerno & Pino Salerno, who grew up in traditional Italian homes where family milestones and gatherings usually take place at the kitchen or the dining table. The owners of Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria were inspired to create an extensive menu that mixes traditional Italian dishes with contemporary flavours.

From antipasti (starters) to pasta and risotto, to the main courses featuring chicken, salmon, steak or lamb, to the cortorni (sides), drinks and desserts, there’s a dish and a drink for every craving. Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria also has gluten-free and vegetarian selections upon request.

However, if you can’t decide on the menu, Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria has a lunch special that includes an order of medium pizza or pasta, a gelato scoop and a cup of regular coffee. This offer is good for one person at $21.90. The lunch special is available between 12:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria is open every day from 12:00 p.m. to late at night.

“I ordered 9 variety takeaway pizzas for my birthday celebrations on 9th September for 30 people. They were so yummy and amazing. All guests enjoyed. Thank you Stella Blu for your wonderful service. Luv this restaurant as so close to home.”
~ Maria Calabrisello, via Facebook

“Not so long ago, one would say that dining on the North Shore did not match that of the city or eastern suburbs, but happily, such is now no longer the case. A good example is this fine Italian Eatery, which is perfectly located just across the road from the popular Glen Theatre, in Belrose. The food is hearty, the atmosphere pleasant, and the service friendly. What more could one want – except for ample parking, which is available nearby.”
~ CCAandEBA, via Trip Advisor

“A casual yet attractive restaurant, the food with an Italian flair is unpretentious and delicious. Friendly and attentive service. Well done.”
~ Gerard Lavrut, via Google Reviews

Belrose Children’s Centre Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers

The Belrose Children’s Centre of the Northern Beaches Council is taking the lead in nurturing the minds of the future scientists and engineers of Australia.

Just this March 2019, the Belrose Children’s Centre has been officially recognised as a Little Scientists House. This is due to the centre’s commitment in facilitating in its early childhood services an inquiry-based learning program based on the Little Scientists’ STEM subjects which include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

What is Little Scientists?

Little Scientists is a non-profit professional holistic program aimed towards childhood educators and teachers. The program provides these educators and teachers ample workshops and tools in order to for them to impart on their young students the valuable learnings from STEM subjects.

Its overarching goal is to ensure the competitiveness of Australia’s workforce in the future.

Belrose Children Centre — *Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council/ Facebook*

The early childhood STEM education provided by the Little Scientists is a priority, and it is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training through the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers

With young students naturally eager to explore, learn, and understand the things around them, it was not a hard task for the educators and teachers at the Belrose Children’s Centre to adopt the Little Scientists professional development program.

By being a Little Scientists House, children at the centre are encouraged to enjoy and explore on different topics and other innovative activities regarding science, math, and technology with their educators in a professional learning environment.

Imparting the early childhood STEM education at the Belrose Children’s Centre is considered as a long-term commitment for both the centre and its educators. Each day, they are expected to continuously facilitate and incorporate an inquiry-based scientific research with the children at the centre, document their progress, and commit on the ongoing professional development workshops provided by the Little Scientists.

Truly, this newly adapted way of teaching young children can spark up some changes on the educational landscape of Australia in the future. Who knows, there may be some brilliant scientists in the making from the Belrose Children’s Centre?

Belrose Eats: Savour Fresh and Wholesome Food at The Honest Chicken

Photo Credit: The Honest Chicken/Facebook

You can order a chicken dinner at any restaurant in Belrose but you’ll probably enjoy it best if the chicken is chemical-free and cooked with fresh ingredients, such as the one served by The Honest Chicken at Glenrose Shopping Centre on Glen Street.

The Honest Chicken serves free-range chicken raised on a rural farm and cooled in natural air. Carefully cooked inside a rotisserie oven, the chicken remains juicy and pink and retains its taste better than conventionally prepared dishes.

Homemade dry rubs and marinades lend the flavors that make The Honest Chicken extra-savory and tasty. The beef burgers are also prepared by using fresh ingredients for the marinade and it’s flame-grilled to perfection. The restaurant also serves pork dishes, ribs and chips.

While this isn’t a fast-food joint, the meals arrive at the table in a short amount of time. If you’re famished and looking for wholesome food, The Honest Chicken might just be the right choice.

*Photo Credit:* *The Honest Chicken/Facebook*

A plate of chicken or burgers may be best paired with an order of salads or side dishes for a completely satiating meal. Fortunately, The Honest Chicken serves different kinds of side dishes to go with anyone’s preference.

Ideal for dine-in or takeaway, the restaurant is also open for catering private parties, business functions, and other events.

“I know this is a chicken shop but they do the best burgers. Lots of different varieties so sure to please everyone. Staff is always welcoming and friendly.”
~ JulieCin, via TripAdvisor

“Always very happy with the food and service here at the Glenrose store. Everything I’ve had has been delicious. Love the pork dinner deal with the creamy potato bake and the pork crackling. Also the best chips and gravy ever!!”
~ Kirstie McWhannell, via Facebook

“We were at Belrose visiting family when we decided it was time for a takeaway. The chickens rolling around in the rotisserie looked pretty tasty. There is a wide variety of salads – all are nice and fresh, with lots of options. The hot chips are pretty special and well worth a visit just to get some – and the servings are generous.”

~ Portsea, via TripAdvisor