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.
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.
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An original redevelopment application was lodged in early 2022 but was withdrawn in November of that year.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