Tag: Belrose

Local Restaurant Guide – 2085

We’ve combed Belrose, Belrose West, and Davidson for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

Read: Manchester City’s Holiday Clinics Head to Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose

1. Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

About Inakaya Japanese Restaurant
4.2 Google Rating

31/56-58 Glen St, Belrose NSW 2085

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Amanda M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Love this restaurant. Fresh & delicious food. Warm and friendly staff. Generous servings. Marinated tofu that literally explodes and then melts in your mouth. Delicious! And their miso soup? Made in house from scratch and out of this world.

Shooly S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The sushi and sashimi were exceptionally fresh, and the presentation was artistic. The staff’s warm smiles and friendly service made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. Be sure to try the tempura; it’s a must-try. The Calamari Sizzling dish was fantastic as well. With a wide variety of desserts available, tasting them all will be a delightful experience. This is truly the most beautiful sushi restaurant in this area!

Jessica Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best sashimi I have had! super fresh and delicious😍 The tempura is outstanding too—crispy and beautifully prepared. If you’re a sushi and Japanese food lover, this is definitely the place to go!
Highly recommended 👍

2. Club Belrose

About Club Belrose
4.2 Google Rating

146 Forest Way, Belrose NSW 2085

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Lorraine O
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We attended for a family catch up for lunch on a Monday. The food was all delicious, served hot & freshly cooked. The Manager, Am, was polite and attentive. Couldn’t recommend the venue& food more highly.

Ian O
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Has Mothers Day lunch on the Terrace. Meals came quickly and were above the normal quality for food at a club or pub. Staff were super friendly and efficient. Great spot for a family gathering.

Claire V
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
18 people for dinner and everyone loved their meals. Excellent range of high quality options. Fast and professional service. Caring staff. Looking forward to going back!

3. Cafe Belrose

About Cafe Belrose
4.8 Google Rating

b1/15 Narabang Way, Belrose NSW 2085

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Jill S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great lunch place hidden in a light industrial area. Mostly take away but there are a few dining tables. Food is fresh and there are lots of sandwich options. Everything is very clean and the staff all friendly and efficient.

James K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoyed the belrose special on Turkish bread and at a good price, definitely recommend for those on the road looking for a local spot to eat

J Sm
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hidden Gem! Food quality, freshness, price are top notch. The hot food are very tasty, not oily & very good quality rivalling if not better than some restaurants. The sandwiches, wraps & rolls are prepared with good balance of ingredients & good value. Tam & his wife are hard-working, keep the place clean & remember their customers. What more do you want?

4. Acacia Eatery

About Acacia Eatery
4.5 Google Rating

58 Glen St, Belrose NSW 2085

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Amanda K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve eaten there 3 times now – twice for lunch and once for dinner. Each time ordering something new. The meals are constantly excellent. Super fresh, huge portions and delicious. They can make kale taste amazing!
The sizes are generous. The bacon is extra crispy. The meals are plated nicely too.
If ordering hot drink I do shears ask for extra hot as it has come out a little too cold for me. It’s that’s the only thing I can fault.
Hope they make a success of it and stick around as they deserve it.

John R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fabulous, way more than just a cafe! Unpretentious. Personal, caring and attentive service. A nice menu and really nice, fresh food. Some of us had the duck confit which was outstanding! Plus was served with generous fresh vegetables.! Yummy. Others loved the grilled Barramundi. The pasta ordered by others was praised as perfect. Plus a sensible wine list. We were a pre theatre party of 11 people and everything ran very smoothly. We will be back.

Mark T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A fave of ours, opens early, serves great coffee & breakfast. Very high quality of service & food/drink. They also do lunch & even evening drinks, which I haven’t done yet but imagine they would be great.
Highly recommend their Brekkie Burger, one of the best I’ve had.

5. The Shed Cafe – Belrose

About The Shed Cafe – Belrose
4.4 Google Rating

Homeco. Belrose, Ground Floor, Shop 16/4-6 Niangala Cl, Belrose NSW 2085

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Sharon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tried out this cafe while shopping around. Was surprised by how great the eggs Benedict was and how creamy and delicious the poached egg was with the hollandaise. I recommend getting the sourdough though definitely be prepared to struggle cutting through the bread. The haloumi add on for the egg on toast was also amazing. Would recommend.

Ben L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy ordering, great Brekky options.
Filling and tasty. – had the eggs Benedict.
Coffee was also good and the staff are friendly and happy 🤙🏽

Read: Three Belrose Residents Recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

Mandy M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fast, friendly staff and awesome food and coffee. Clean and nice atmosphere would eat here again. Thank you

Three Belrose Residents Recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

Photo Credit: NSW Gov

Three Belrose residents have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their long-term service across surf lifesaving, lawn bowls, and charitable work.

Read: Davidson Community Mobilises to Keep Kambora Public School Open

Recognition for Service in Belrose

Belrose residents Michael Bate, Robert Connors, and Kim Mukuka have each received national honours in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. Their contributions span decades and cover community sport, volunteer leadership, and international development.

Michael Bate: Service to Surf Lifesaving and Business

Michael John Bate was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to surf lifesaving and business. His involvement began in 1968 and led to formal roles from the 1970s across multiple states.

King’s Birthday Honours
Photo Credit: Freshwater SLSC/Facebook

Mr Bate first served at Towradgi and Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Clubs before holding executive positions in the Illawarra Branch. He later relocated to Western Australia and served at Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club. After returning to New South Wales, he joined Freshwater SLSC and took on various leadership roles including Club President from 2021.

At state and national levels, Mr Bate has served on the Surf Life Saving NSW Board and as National Director at Colliers International. His officiating and administrative work extended to international events, and he holds Life Memberships in Surf Life Saving Australia and NSW.

Robert Connors: Lifetime Commitment to Lawn Bowls

Robert George Connors received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to lawn bowls. For over 50 years, Mr Connors has been active in competitive play and administrative leadership.

He has held multiple leadership positions at Forestville RSL Bowls Club. This includes the President, the Vice President, and the Secretary. At a broader level, he served as President of Northern Beaches Zone 4 RSL Bowls and State Vice President Metro for the NSW RSL Lawn Bowls Association.

As a player, he earned state-level titles and represented New South Wales in 1999. He is also known for his support roles within the RSL community, including travel coordination and fundraising for Legacy.

Kim Mukuka: Supporting Education in Zambia and Local Communities

Kim Elizabeth Mukuka, also from Belrose, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service through charitable organisations. She is a founding member and Vice President of Zambia’s Child. It is an education-focused charity established in 2007.

Belrose King’s Birthday Honours
Photo Credit: Zambia’s Child/Facebook

From 2012 to 2020, she led on-ground operations at Ipalo Christian Community School in Chingola, Zambia. After returning to Australia, she continued supporting the initiative through mentoring and operations management.

Ms Mukuka has also taught across multiple educational institutions in New South Wales. She currently serves in administrative and teaching roles at Yanginanook School.

Ongoing Contributions from Belrose

Read: Major Upgrade Planned for Wesley Gardens Aged Care Site in Belrose

The recognition of Mr Bate, Mr Connors, and Ms Mukuka highlights the long-term community engagement of Belrose residents. All three remain active in their respective fields through leadership, mentoring, or volunteer administration.

Published 19-June-2025

Major Upgrade Planned for Wesley Gardens Aged Care Site in Belrose

Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958

A $194-million redevelopment proposal has been submitted for Uniting Wesley Gardens in Belrose, aiming to replace outdated aged care buildings with a new seniors housing precinct.

Read: New Plus Fitness Belrose: The Largest in Australia

Background and Context

Uniting (NSW.ACT) has lodged a development application to overhaul its aged care facility at 2B Morgan Road. The site spans 4.84 hectares and contains aged care buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1990s, along with an early learning facility, a house, and the Belrose Uniting Church—all of which are set to remain. The project qualifies as a State Significant Development and is publicly exhibited on the NSW Planning Portal between 8 May and 4 June 2025.

Uniting Wesley Gardens
Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958

Redevelopment Scope

The transformation plans involve constructing six new buildings, ranging from three to five storeys, across the site. The project will deliver 267 new dwellings, including 147 independent living units and 120 residential aged care beds.

Beyond accommodation, the proposed development includes shared facilities like a wellness centre, café, salon, swimming pool, gym, Men’s Shed, and landscaped areas for recreation. The seniors gym will also be accessible to community members aged over 60.

Access to the site will continue from Morgan Road, with parking allocated for 128 residents and 30 visitors within the independent living section. An additional 12 spaces are planned for aged care residents, alongside 65 for staff.

The buildings have been designed to follow the site’s slope and integrate two central communal areas named the Passive Heart and Active Heart. These spaces will support resident interaction and link the housing with care facilities.

Belrose development
Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958

Planning and Design Compliance

The development complies with a site-wide floor space ratio of 0.58:1. Some building heights exceed the standard 8.5 metres, with a Clause 20 variation requested to allow these changes.

The proposal addresses the Seniors Housing Design Guide 2023 and the Apartment Design Guide, incorporating principles such as ventilation, natural light, accessibility, and deep soil planting. Sustainability features include solar panels, water-sensitive systems, and passive ventilation.

The design has undergone review by the State Design Review Panel, leading to updates in areas such as tree retention, materials, and pedestrian flow.

Construction and Operational Impacts

The project is forecast to generate 238 construction jobs. However, once operational, staffing will reduce to 109 due to the shift towards more independent living units and fewer high-care beds.

During the construction phase, existing residents will be relocated. The application identifies short-term disruptions, including traffic, dust, and noise, and outlines measures to manage these during construction. Engagement with local residents and stakeholders is expected to continue throughout the project.

Uniting Wesley Gardens development public consultation
Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958

Site Access and Surrounding Area

Located at the corner of Morgan Road and Forest Way, the site connects to nearby suburbs via several bus routes, including services to Chatswood, Warringah Mall, and the Sydney CBD.

Neighbouring the site are low-density residential properties and other senior living facilities, such as Glenaeon Retirement Village and Calvary Corymbia Aged Care.

Next Steps

Read: Terrey Hills Crash Leaves Sydney Dad in Long Road to Recovery

The application remains on exhibition until 4 June 2025, allowing the public to provide feedback. Feedback on the proposal can be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal by referencing application number SSD-71378958. A final determination will be made by the NSW Minister for Planning.

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Published 24-May-2025

New Plus Fitness Belrose: The Largest in Australia

Photo Credit: Plus Fitness Belrose/Instagram

Belrose is set to become home to Australia’s largest Plus Fitness facility. The facility features a state-of-the-art 1,400 square metre gym designed to cater to all fitness levels.

Read: Belrose Sanitiser Dumping Sparks ICAC Probe

Australia’s Largest Plus Fitness Coming to Belrose

Belrose will soon be home to the largest Plus Fitness gym in Australia. Located at 3 Minna Close, the new flagship facility is expected to open in May 2025. The gym aims to offer a premium fitness experience to locals.

The sprawling 1,400-square-metre gym will feature a wide range of amenities, including a dedicated women’s area, a recovery zone, and ten squat stations. It will be open 24/7 and provide round-the-clock access for members to train, recover, and stay fit.

Plus Fitness Belrose
Photo Credit: Plus Fitness Belrose/Instagram

Plus Fitness is an official Hammer Strength Certified Training Centre. The new Belrose gym will have state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment and will set a new standard for fitness enthusiasts in the area. 

Exclusive Membership Offers Ahead of Opening

Foundation memberships are currently available, offering an opportunity to secure pre-opening rates from just $17.95 per week. Members who sign up now will not be charged any joining or access fees, and payments will only begin once the gym officially opens in May.

This offer marks a rare chance for locals to access premium fitness facilities at reduced rates. Plus Fitness Belrose aims to create a welcoming and dynamic environment for everyone from athletes to beginners.

Australia's Largest Gym
Photo Credit: Plus Fitness Belrose/Instagram

Serving the Wider Community

The new facility is strategically positioned to serve surrounding suburbs, including Terrey Hills, St Ives, Ingleside, Duffys Forest, Frenchs Forest, Killarney Heights, Davidson, and Oxford Falls.

Residents from these areas are encouraged to take advantage of the current membership deals before the gym transitions to its flagship rates.

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Community Excitement Builds

With its size, facilities, and 24/7 accessibility, the Belrose Plus Fitness is set to become a major hub for the local fitness community. Locals are looking forward to exploring the new space and enjoying the variety of training and recovery options available.

Read: Community Divided Over $33m Restaurant Complex in Terrey Hills

The opening of the Belrose location highlights the growing demand for premium fitness facilities in the region, cementing Plus Fitness as a key player in the Australian gym landscape.

Published 5-Apr-2025

2025 Australia Day: Belrose Resident Takes Home Citizen of the Year Award

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/ Facebook

A Belrose resident was named Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the local community. Kevin Lee, a dedicated Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club member, received the prestigious award at the 2025 Australia Day celebrations.

Read: TradeMutt Work Shirts Spark Mental Health Conversations in Belrose

2025 Australia Day
Photo Credit: CrVincenDeLuca/ Facebook

The annual awards recognise the extraordinary individuals and groups positively impacting the Northern Beaches. This year’s winners represent the diverse ways locals contribute to the community, from surf lifesaving and emergency service volunteers to community events and fundraising initiatives.

Kevin Lee has been an active Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club member since 2008. He has dedicated countless hours to patrolling the beach, completing almost 1,500 patrol hours over 15 years. This makes him one of the most dedicated members in the club’s 60-year history.

2025 Australia Day
Photo Credit: CrVincenDeLuca/ Facebook

Lee is also passionate about surf lifesaving education. He holds multiple qualifications and actively supports training programs for new members. He has previously served as the club’s Surf Sports Director, coordinating competitions and training programs.

Beyond his contributions to surf lifesaving, Lee has also played a vital role in organising community events. He is the Co-Convenor of the Narrabeen Beach Challenge Ocean Swim and has organised numerous surf carnivals, including the Sydney Northern Beaches Junior Carnival.  In 2021, he provided crucial support during the Narrabeen floods, demonstrating his commitment to the wider community.

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

The Australia Day Awards acknowledge the selfless efforts of individuals and groups who strive to improve the lives of others. The Northern Beaches Council expressed gratitude for all nominees and the many unsung heroes who contribute daily to the community. They emphasised that these contributions do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.

Published Date 29-Jan-2025

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.

Photo credit: Regis

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.” 

Photo credit: Google Street View

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.

TradeMutt
Photo Credit: Supplied

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
Photo Credit: Supplied

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

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.

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

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.

Bundaleer St Belrose
Photo Credit: Vigor Master

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. 

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

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

$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.

Read: Preserving Patyegarang: Opposition Mounts to Belrose Housing Plan

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).

Photo Credit: 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.

Read: IKEA Expands With New Plan and Order Point In Belrose

Belrose
Photo Credit: DA 2019/1427

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

Published 23-April-2024

Preserving Patyegarang: Opposition Mounts to Belrose Housing Plan

A proposal to build 450 homes on Patyegarang, an Aboriginal-owned land in Belrose, is facing opposition from local leaders who argue the area should be preserved as bushland.

Read: Upgrades at County Road Reserve Left in Limbo

The 71-hectare property, formerly known as Lizard Rock, is owned by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. The council aims to redevelop the land to generate funds to support programs for Aboriginal people across Sydney, including social and affordable housing projects.

However, independent MP Sophie Scamps has urged the NSW government to instead designate Patyegarang as an Indigenous national park. In a submission to NSW Planning, Dr Scamps said the state should either buy the land or agree to a long-term lease so it can become a preservation area that still generates income for Aboriginal people.

Patyegarang
Concept plan for the proposed cultural centre as part of the development (Photo credit: Cox Architecture) 

The Northern Beaches Council has also voiced strong opposition to the 450-home proposal, citing destruction of bushland and other concerns. The council said the natural area should not be rezoned to make way for a large residential development.

Aerial view of site (Photo credit: Cox Architecture) 

Planners defend the housing proposal as an opportunity to significantly contribute to Sydney’s urgent housing supply shortfall. 

Site (Photo credit: Cox Architecture) 

They said the plans, designed by Cox Architecture call for protecting ancient Aboriginal sites whilst delivering new homes, open spaces and a cultural centre. They said the additional housing units would have a positive impact on housing targets at both the local government area level and broader district level.

Read: Belrose Residents Fight Proposed Boarding House Modifications Anew

As Sydney grapples with a housing affordability crisis, the opposing visions for the Lizard Rock land have set up a debate over conservation versus development. Aboriginal leaders aim to lift their communities through land ownership, but some local representatives argue this natural area warrants preservation over profiteering. The dispute may ultimately fall to the state government to resolve.

Published 28-November-2023