A new six-storey, 146-room Nightcap Hotel has been proposed in Frenchs Forest, aiming to meet growing demand for affordable accommodation for both business and leisure travellers across the Northern Beaches.
Redevelopment Plan
The proposed $57 million development has been lodged by ALH Group, the hospitality division of Endeavour Group, which operates the neighbouring Forest Hotel and Dan Murphy’s on Frenchs Forest Road East. The new hotel would occupy the vacant land directly behind these existing venues.
Plans detail a budget-focused design that excludes bar and restaurant facilities, instead offering practical amenities such as self check-in, free Wi-Fi, a gym, a boardroom, and 297 on-site parking spaces. The concept follows the Nightcap Hotels model, focusing on accessible pricing and convenience for short-term stays.
Project Background
This proposal continues a long-running redevelopment process for the site. A previous development approval (DA) for a hotel or motel was first granted in 2018, but a revised 2022 plan for a seven-storey, 149-room hotel with a restaurant and bar was later withdrawn. The current version, lodged in July 2025, modifies that earlier consent, scaling the project back to six storeys and removing food and beverage operations to streamline costs and approvals.
Location and Purpose
Located within walking distance of Northern Beaches Hospital and nearby corporate business parks, the proposed hotel is positioned to accommodate visiting professionals, patients’ families, and tourists. Its proximity to the future Frenchs Forest Town Centre adds to its accessibility and appeal for travellers seeking a convenient and affordable base in the area.
Support from Local Business
Commercial landlord Charter Hall Funds Management, which owns business parks on Rodborough Road, has expressed support for the proposal. The company noted that its tenants often host visitors from interstate and overseas and that the lack of short-term accommodation in the area makes the hotel a suitable addition.
Existing options such as Mercure Manly Warringah at Brookvale, Narrabeen Sands Hotel, and Checkers Resort & Conference Centre at Terrey Hills are several kilometres away. Charter Hall’s correspondence to the local council emphasised the value of having more nearby rooms to support local business travel demand.
Hotel Network and Operations
The new property would join more than 40 Nightcap and Nightcap Plus hotels already operated nationwide by ALH. Nearby examples include Nightcap locations at Narrabeen Sands, Pymble, Regents Park, Eastwood, and Caringbah, each providing similar mid-range accommodation.
Next Steps
The proposal forms part of ALH Group’s continuing investment in the Northern Beaches and, if approved, would contribute to easing the region’s accommodation shortage. The plan represents a streamlined and business-friendly addition to Frenchs Forest’s developing commercial landscape, enhancing the area’s ability to cater for tourists and business visitors alike.
Published 15-Oct-2025
